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Hiotographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


V 


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^ 


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^— 1 

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32X 

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1 

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3 

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empreinte. 

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dernlAre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbole  — ►  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbole  ▼  signifie  "FIN  ". 

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filmAs  A  des  taux  de  rMuction  diff^rents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  Atre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clichA,  il  est  film*  d  partir 
de  Tangle  supArieur  gauche,  de  gauche  A  droite. 
•t  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'Images  nAcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mAthode. 


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POPULAR    HISTORY 


OF  THE 


Life  of  Columbus 


A  COMPLETE,  COMPENDIOUS  NARRATIVE  OF  HIS  VOYAGES,   DISCOVERIES, 

AND  GENERAL  CAREER,  COLLECTED  FROM  ALL  AUTHENTIC  SOURCES, 

MAKING   A   DIGEST  OF   ALL  THE   FACTS   OBTAINABLE   FROM 

EXTANT  HISTORICAL,  CRITICAL,  BIOGRAPHICAL,  AND 

OTHER  PUBLICATIONS  ON  THE  SUBJECT. 


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J.  H.  LANGILLE, 

PROPISSOR  or  NATURAL  SCIRHCRS  AND  AUTHOR  OF  "  OUK  BIRDS  IN  THBIR  HAUNTS,"  *C.,  AC. 


AND 


/ 


MARY  F.  FOSTER, 

OFFICIAL    TRANSLATOR    TO    THB    PAN-AMRRICAN    CONFRRENCC. 


■OLD    BY    SUBSCRIPTION. 


" 


Publication  Bureau  : 

Woman's  National  Press  Association. 

Washington,  D.  C. 

'893- 


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BT 

.    J.  U.  Lanoille  and  Mart  E.  Fo«tm.    i 


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Printim  and  Bookhndcm 

WAIHINOTOM,  0   Cp 


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JOINT  PREFACE, 


The  task  of  writing  a  life  of  Columbus  has  been  discharged 
with  most  signal  ability,  and  by  the  most  competent  authors  that 
could  possibly  be  found.  Each  narrative  in  succession,  from  the 
first,  seems  to  be  enough — all  that  could  be  said  or  done  to  cover 
the  ground  at  the  time.  Yet  it  has  proved  to  be  a  fact  that  from 
Columbus's  son,  who  may  be  said  to  have  written  the  first  biog- 
raphy  of  his  father,  each  succeeding  contribution  from  Las  Casas, 
Bernaldez,  Peter  Martyr,  Oviedo,  Ilerrera,  and  Irving's  most 
enchanting  work,  down  to  that  replica  of  Irving,  Tarducci,  offered 
acceptable  and  indispensable  material  and  information  for  this 
interesting  work.  Could  it  be  presumed  for  a  moment  that  Hum- 
boldt  was  not  needed?  Or  that  De  Lorgues  and  his  school  of 
canonizers  have  not  made  fresh  and  suggestive  investigation? 
And  whilst  this  fullness  of  raising  St.  Christopher  to  the  skies 
seems  to  leave  no  room  unoccupied  in  the  exaltation  of  Colum- 
bus, who  will  confront  the  Brazilian  Varnhagen  and  say  that  he 
has  not  been  needed?  In  point  of  fact,  his  incisive,  exact,  and 
exhaustive  work,  searching  from  Pern  to  Seville,  from  Berlin 
and  Vienna  to  New  York  and  the  West  Indies,  has  turned  out 
very  valuable  solutions  of  the  mysteries  of  Columbian  literature 

Without  cataloguing  so  many  other  welcome  popular  abridg- 
ments, compendiums,  and  essayists  like  Prescott,  Sir  Arthur  Helps, 
Adams,  Hubert  Bancroft,  R.  H.  'Major,  could  we  close  the  list 
without  naming  as  amongst  the  foremost  Henry  Ilarrisse?  His 
notes  on  Columbus  seem  to  cover  every  inch  of  land  and  sea,  sift- 
ing the  notarial  and  other  public  records ;  in  fact,  marking  out  a 
geodetic  biographical  survey,  so  to  say,  of  Venice   and  Genoa, 


*l  X  » W ^1f^.^-'  *"■  *7^* 


i^  JOINT  PREFACE. 

Spain  and  the  Indies,  En^lani!  and  America.  FTe  thus  bcginR 
the  parenthesis  of  liis  work,  which  is  not  conchuled  until  he  fol- 
lows down  with  other  voUmies,  as  to  the  Discovery,  the  Cabotu, 
and  the  other  "  Chief  PiU)ts,"  giving  the  remotest  bibliographical 
items  of  the  catalogues  and  of  the  public  and  private  libraries. 
He  shows  the  scope  of  an  exhaustive  research,  upon  which  is 
founded  an  entirely  new  school  of  historical  criticism  on  the  sub- 
ject.  When  we  name  Justin  Winsor  and  pair  him  with  John 
Fiske  in  the  opening  of  this  new  school  of  Columbian  literature, 
how  earnestly  could  we  wish  that  they  had  been  at  the  beginning 
instead  of  at  the  close  of  the  list  of  biographers  of  the  heroic  Dis- 

coverer. 

Columbus's    little    fleet   of    caravels   represent   the    "maritime 
list"    of   his  time.     In   our  day,  the   three   models  of   them  sent 
from    Spain,   rolling   through    the  surf  between   the   great   ocean 
war-ships,    tell    a    most    striking    story   by    their    contrast.     The 
new   departure    in    navigation    was   really    the    chief    thing   dis- 
covered.     Passing  at   once   from   the   ancient   world   of   the   gal- 
leys  to   the   broad   waters   of    ocean   navigation    was   a    turning 
point   in   human    history..    It    marked   forever    the   boundary    of 
the    ancient   and   beginning    of    the    modern    sea-going   systems. 
Never    losing     sight    of     the    land,    anchoring    for     the    night, 
rowing   the   bireme   and  trireme— the   galleys   with   two   or  with 
three    benches    of    oars,    contracted    the    boundary— the    narrow 
limits  of   ancient  navigation  and  commerce  preceding  Columbus. 
It   shows   in   the   visible   fable   and   contrast  of   the   picture    the 
Old  World  navigation  compared  with  the  new  era  of  the  ocean- 
going   ships— the    stride   from    the    caravel   to    the   clipper    and 
the    ocean    war-ship,    steam-fitted    and    steel-clad.     The    daring 
that   pierced   the    "Sea   of   Darkness"   and  established   the  new 
system    of    ocean    navigation   was   the    great   "  Discovery  "—the 
original  achievement  of  Columbus.     How  bold  the  deed!     How 
vast   the   result !— A   new   destiny  for  mankind. 


-ST^^-' 


:a.  He  thus  begins 
mchuled  until  he  fol- 
iscovcry,  the  CubotH, 
notest  bibliographical 
ind  private  libraries, 
irch,  upon  which  is 
criticism  on  the  sub- 
pair  him  with  Jt>hn 
Columbian  literature, 
been  at  the  beginning 
ers  of  the  heroic  Dis- 

;sent   the    "  maritime 
models  of   them  sent 
een   the   great   ocean 
their    contrast.     The 
the    chief    thing   dis- 
it   world   of   the   gal- 
ition    was   a    turning 
'er    the   boundary    of 
n    sea-going   systems, 
ring    for     the    night, 
^s   with   two   or  with 
oundary — the    narrow 
preceding  Columbus, 
it  of  the   picture    the 
new  era  of  the  ocean- 
l   to    the   clipper    and 
jel-clad.     The    daring 
1  established   the  new 
tat   "Discovery" — the 
bold  the  deed!     How 
kind. 


JOINT  PREFACE.  ^ 

In  this  history  we  are  constrained  to  divide  the  unexampled 
narrative  of  events  in  his  time  from  the  still  more  extraordinary 
consequences  which  have  followed.  The  Italian  sea  captain  rank- 
ing,  and  in  fact  living  the  career  of  the  class — the  "Colonii '' 
of  Roman  history — steps  from  the  presence  of  the  Spanish 
throne  int«)  the  first  truly  scientific  ocean  voyage,  from  which 
he  returns  with  a  concjue.st  which  the  agrarian  laws  of  Rome 
would  measure  correctly  as  one-half  the  world,  to  be  distributed 
among  the  landless  cohorts  of  the  Holy  Roman  Enjpire  of 
Charles   the   Fifth. 

In  our  present  biographical  compendium  of  facts  we  have 
avoided  sectarian  or  partisan  aims,  keeping  in  view  the  wide 
popular  audiences  we  have  t<»  reach  and  the  useftd  mission  of  this 
work  which  we  hope  for  it  in  places  of  public  education,  and  by 
the  general  diffusion  of  its  contents  and  their  transfer  from  the 
inaccessible  and  costly  sources  from  which  we  have  gleaned  our 
story.  From  the  narrative  of  Don  Fernando,  the  son  of  the  Dis- 
coverer, down  to  the  recent  oratorical  and  beautiful  work  of  the 
great  Spanish  statesman,  Castelar,  we  have  left  no  omissions  in  our 
gleaning  search.  In  view  of  this  necessity,  the  extent  of  our 
obligation  to  other  authors  is  too  extensive  to  be  even  enumerated, 
and  it  is  not  a  want  of  sense  of  this  which  precludes  our  acknowl- 
edgments. As  there  has  been  really  no  previous  popular  volume 
at  an  accessible  price,  with  this  aim  practicable  for  the  general 
school  and  college  library,  for  the  family  circle  and  the  Christmas 
fireside  story,  we  hope  the  good  end  we  have  sought  to  subserve 
will  pardon  what  may  appear  to  be  the  liberties  we  have  taken 
in  our  extracts  from  so  many  of  the  best  works — historical,  criti- 
cal, and  biographical — bearing  on  our  subject,  and  with  this 
statement  and  its  peculiar  aims  made  plain,  we  hope  that  an 
additional  life  of  Columbus  will  prove  acceptable. 

J.  H.  LANGILLE. 

MARY  F.  FOSTER. 


THE  PORTRAIT. 


The  intc-rcstinK  subject  of  a  portrait  of  Coluinbus  has  undergone 
a  varied  (Usciission  since  it  was  alliuled  to  in  our  text. 

Tiie  outcome  ^i-'iii-'rally  accepted  concedes  a  positive  preference 
for  tlie  unicpie  picture  whicl)  is  tlie  property  of  Mr.  Gunthcr,  of 
Chicago.  Our  conchision,  we  confess,  is  inHuenced  in  favor  of 
this  portrait  J)y  the  fact  that  it  was  also  the  frontispiece  in  Irving's 
fifth  edition,  publishetl  in  London.  It  was  painted  for  the  Qiieen, 
in  court  ihess,  and  presents  the  Achniral  at  the  height  of  his  glory. 
Its  authenticity  is  now  tacitly  conceded. 


i^fc 


Aiiii1ilHiiiiji<<niifci»ii"'iui  rijiarAiBij»iiiniff"««wni*iii«iiiiliii«iHrtj«]ijiiii  i:iiiiii»iiiiiiii»ii<:  » iinii miwihu  »iiimhihi 


TABLE  OF  CONTKNTS. 


lumlnis  has  undergone 
our  text. 

I  n  positive  preference 
ty  of  Mr.  Gunthcr,  «)f 
iuHiienced  in  favor  of 
frontispiece  in  Irving's 
painted  for  the  Qiieen, 
:he  height  of  his  glory. 


Paul 
I 

«3 


lNTR()l)lrcTI«)N,      -  .  .  . 

ClIAI'TKH    I, 

Hirthplace— Karly  Life  „f  Cohnnhns. 

CllAPTKH    [I, 

CoUnnl)ii8  in  Portugal. 

Chai'tkh  in, 

CohiMilnis  and  King  John  of  I'ortngal. 

ClIAI'TKH   IV^,      ' 

Coluinhus  in  Spain. 
Chaptkr  V,     ....         _ 

First  Voyage  Across  the  Sea  of  Darkness. 
ClIAI'TKH   VI,  .  .  .  _ 

The  P'irst  Landing  in  the  New  World. 

ClIAPTEH  VII, 

The  Shipwreck  and  the  Fort. 

Chapter  VIII,         .        . 

"         "         -         •         » 

Return  Home  of  the  Discoverer  of  the  Inchas.        - 
Chaptkr IX,        .         .         . 

The  Triumphal  Pageant  and  Procession  on  His  Arrival. 
Chaptkr  X,     . 

The  Pope's  Boundary  Line  Dividing  the  Two  Worlds        '  ^ ' 
— The  Second  Voyage. 
Chaptkr  XI,       ...         . 

The  New  Enterprises  of  the  Colony.  *      ■   '         '   '^^ 

Chapter  XII,  .         .         .         _ 

The  South  Side  of  Cuha  Explored.  '       ^^^ 


■     24 

-  46 

•    53 

81 

-  97 

-  '25 
«      140 

63 


|!  ' 


Hi 


viii  TABLE   OF  CONTENTS.  " 

Paoe. 

Chapter  XIII, ^7' 

Events  on  Reaching  the  Town  of  Isabelhi. 

CiiAPTKR  XIV, 305 

The  Affairs  of  the  New  World  in  Spain. 

ClIAPTKlt  XV, 3 

The  Third  Voyage— The  Orinoco— Coasting  the  South 

American  Continent. 

Chapttju  XVI, 35' 

Bartholomew  Cohunbus  as  Adelantado— Roldan  the 

Rebel.  '' 

Chapter  XVII, S^S 

Columbus's  Return  to  the  Indias— Roldan's  Mutmy. 

Chapter  XVIII, 4" 

Ojeda's  Mischief  at  Zaragua.  , 

Chapter  XIX, -        -        -        -  4^3 

Bobadilla  Sends  Columbus  Home  in  Chains. 

Chapter  XX, 459 

Columbus's  Fourth  Voyage— Death  of  Columbus. 


ENTS. 


Pare. 

. 

-    271 

[sabclla. 

.         .         -         - 

305 

Spain. 

.         -         - 

-   328 

-Coasting the  South 

-        '-         - 

351 

iitado — RoUlan  the 

.                  -                   - 

-385 

-Roldan's  Mutiny. 

. 

411 

• 

. 

-   423 

in  Chains. 

- 

459 

th  of  Columbus.     . 

INTRODUCTION. 


|N  the  present  age  Christopher  Columbus  has 
been  depicted  both  as  a  pirate  of  the  high 
seas  and  as  an  immaculate  saint,  the  opinions 
of  authors  generally  being  graduated  at  all  points 
between  these  two  extremes.  In  view  of  this  diversity 
of  estimate,  we  propose  to  do  as  little  as  possible  in 
the  way  of  interpreting  so  distinguished  a  character. 
We  prefer  to  give  the  facts  of  his  life  as  recorded  by 
those  who  knew  him  personally,  supplemented  by  his 
own  writings,  along  with  a  fair  presentation  of  the 
sentiments  and  practices  of  the  age  in  which  he  lived. 
Thus  we  shall  leave  the  reader  to  judge  for  himself 
when  the  Admiral  was  good  and  when  he  was  bad. 

A  biography  like  this  can  be  made  intelligible  only 
by  first  giving  an  outlook  into  the  bibliographical  field 
presenting  such  a  variety  of  opinions.  We  will  there- 
fore give  a  brief  summary  of  the  principal  writers  on 
this  distinguished  adventurer,  and  on  the  enterprising 
period  which  he  rendered  so  illustrious.  As  Harrisse 
has  well  said,  "Columbus  was  very  far  from  being  in 
his  lifetime  the  important  personage  he  now  is ;  and 
his  writings,  which  then  commanded  neither  respect  nor 
attention,  were  probably  thrown  into  the  waste-basket 
as  soon  as  received."  After  the  first  sensation  caused 
by  the  announcement  of  his  discovery,  both  he  and  the 
country  which  he  had  made  known  fell  into  disrepute  ; 
and  when  he  died  in  the  care  of  the  good  Franciscan 


^iSSHSSr 


INTR  OD  UC  rJON. 


m 


monks  at  Valladolid,  the  records  simply  noted  "  the 
said  Admiral  is  dead ; "  and  the  world  made  so  little 
account  of  the  event  that,  in  the  two  years  following, 
editors  who  were  revising  and  publishing  narratives  of 
his  voyages  did  not  know  that  he  was  no  longer  living. 

It  was  not  till  ten  years  after  his  death  that  his  first 
biographical  sketch  appeared,  and  that  in  the  most  in- 
cidental manner.  Giustiniani,  an  Italian  bishop,  pub- 
lishing a  polyglot  psalter  at  Genoa,  garnished  the  mar- 
gin of  the  nineteentJi  psalm  with  a  brief  ou«-line  of  Co- 
lumbus's career,  which  has  served  to  immortalize  the 
said  bishop's  production.  Whether  he  was  guilty  or 
not  of  the  "  thirteen  lies  "  which  Fernando  Columbus 
so  indignantly  laid  to  his  charge,  he  must  have  had  a 
high  regard  for  the  subject  of  his  narrative;  for  he 
looked  upon  the  Admiral's  achievements  as  a  striking 
fulfilment  of  the  prophecies  of  that  psalm,  and  closed 
his  account  by  saying,  "  Such  was  the  end  of  that  most 
celebrated  man,  who,  had  he  lived  in  the  times  of  the 
Greek  heroes,  would  certainly  have  been  placed  among 
the  gods." 

Columbus  left  a  school  of  able  and  well-trained  na\  '- 
gators  to  follow  up  the  immense  work  he  had  so  nobly 
begun.  If  the  grandeur  of  his  first  discovery,  which 
drew  tears  from  the  eyes  of  learned  men,  had  soon 
passed  away,  like  the  wake  of  his  little  caravels  in  the 
storm,  other  keels  were  plowing  the  unknown  seas,  and 
before  the  men  who  knew  him  well  had  passed  away, 
the  vast  extent  and  incalculable  lesources  of  the  New 
World  began  to  appear.  Then,  as  Humboldt  has  fitly 
noticed,  all  departments  of  literature  received  a  new  and 
immense  impulse.     Historians  were  ready  to  record  the 


iitilWilllilllMflllM 


INTR  OD  ucnoy. 


3 


simply  noted  "  the 
rid  made  so  little 
o  years  following, 
ihing  narratives  of 
s  no  longer  living, 
eatli  that  his  first 
at  in  the  most  in- 
alian  bishop,  pub- 
garnished  the  mar- 
rief  ou^^line  of  Co- 
0  immortalize  the 
he  was  guilty  or 
rnando  Columbus 
must  have  had  a 
narrative;  for  he 
ents  as  a  striking 
psalm,  and  closed 
e  end  of  that  most 
the  times  of  the 
een  placed  among 

well-trained  na\'- 
c  he  had  so  nobly 
discovery,  which 
id  men,  had  soon 
le  caravels  in  the 
mknown  seas,  and 
had  passed  away, 
)urces  of  the  New 
[umboldt  has  fitly 
eceived  a  new  and 
"eady  to  record  the 


wonders  of  the  Indies,  the  glory  of  the  Spanish  sover- 
eigns who  had  patronized  their  discovery,  and  the  voy- 
ages of  the  Admiral  who  had  given  his  life  to  the  de- 
velopment and  realization  of  the  new  idea. 

Peter  Martyr,  an  Italian,  who  had  been  attracted  to 
the  Spanish  court  in  the  service  of  education  and  litera- 
ture, not  only  referred  to  Columbus  in  his  numerous 
letters  to  distinguished  men — eight  hundred  of  which 
are  preserved — but  set  his  facile  pen  to  work  to  write  a 
regular  history  of  the  Indies,  in  which  Columbus  was 
allowed  an  ample  space.  His  work,  now  known  as 
"  Decades  of  the  Ocean,''  was  translated  into  English 
by  Richard  Eden,  in  1555,  and  may  be  found  in. some 
of  our  largest  libraries. 

Andres  Bernoldez,  curate  of  Palacios,  who  had  en- 
tertained Columbus  for  months,  as  his  guest,  on  his  re- 
turn from  his  second  voyage,  has  given  us  the  result  of 
their  fireside  chats  in  his  history  of  Ferdinand  and  Isa- 
bella. This  work  is  one  of  the  best  authorities  on  that 
second  voyage.  The  part  pertaining  to  Columbus  was 
trajislated  into  English  by  George  Ticknor,  Esq.,  and 
published  in  the  Massachusetts  Historical  Society,  vol. 
8,  pp.  5-68. 

Oviedo,  who  had  been  associated  with  Columbus's 
sons,  as  page  to  Prince  Juan,  wrote  a  General  History 
of  the  Indies,  in  which  he  gave  the  most  respectful  at- 
tention to  the  Admiral.  He  does  not  seem  to  have  made 
the  most  thorough  use  of  the  documentary  resources 
then  available,  but  his  conclusions  are  well  made.  Nor 
does  he  seem  to  have  been  biased  by  an  undue  admira- 
tion for  his  hero. 

The  venerable  Las  Casas,  missionary  to  the  Indies, 


■-t^-'.^asWSSWF' 


4  INTRODUCTION. 

and  finally  made  bishop,  also  wrote  a  history  of  that 
New  World,  including  a  biography  of  Columbus,  which 
is  considered  indispensable  to  the  critical  student  of  his- 
tory. His  father  and  uncle  both  sailed  with  the  Admi- 
ral on  his  second  voyage,  and  he  himself  accompanied 
him  on  his  last  and  most  trying  voyage  to  Central 
America.  Having  received  from  hi'  father  an  Indian 
slave  as  a  servant,  while  he  was  a  student  at  the  Univer- 
sity of  Salamanca,  and  having  been  obliged  to  give  him 
up  when  Isabella  returned  certain  of  the  enslaved  In- 
dians to  their  native  homes,  his  humane  heart  was 
opened  to  their  unparalleled  sufferings,  and  he  became 
the  champion  of  their  cause  to  the  end  of  his  long  and 
useful  life. 

His  great  work  on  the  Indies  was  too  honestly  writ- 
ten, and  gave  too  full  an  account  of  the  rascalities  of 
the  Spaniards  in  the  New  World,  to  admit  of  its  pub- 
lication in  Spain  till  1875  ;  but  in  manuscript  it  had 
long  been  a  most  important  work  of  reference,  and  as 
such  was  made  a  main  reliance  by  Washington  Irving. 
We  are  indebted  to  this  production  for  all  we  know  of 
Columbus's  Journal  of  his  first  voyage,  Las  Casas 
having  made  a  full  abstract  of  it.  The  Journal  itself 
is  now  no  longer  known.  An  almost  equally  impor- 
tant authority  is  the  work  of  this  bishop,  on  the  second 
and  third  voyages.  He  had  access  to  many  docu- 
ments and  letters  which  cannot  nov»r  be  found. 

Not  the  least  in  importance  is  the  biography  of 
Columbus  written  by  his  son,  Fernando,  who  professes 
to  have  recorded  only  what  he  knew  personally  of  his 
father's  career,  and  what  he  derived  from  his  father's 
writings  then  before  him.     The  authenticity  of  this 


'  -■BiMiWWK'-fcTaWMMi*'"  HlMinlin'JFniiHIMwawWitMi 


INTRODUCTION. 


a  history  of  that 
'  Columbus,  which 
ical  student  of  his- 
;d  with  the  Admi- 
iself  accompanied 
rryage  to  Central 

father  an  Indian 
lent  at  the  Univer- 
bliged  to  give  him 

the  enslaved  In- 
umane  heart  was 
a^s,  and  he  became 
d  of  his  long  and 

too  honestly  writ- 
the  rascalities  of 
admit  of  its  pub- 
nan  uscript  it  had 
reference,  and  as 
ashington  Irving, 
or  all  we  know  of 
)yage.  Las  Casas 
^'he  Journal  itself 
St  equally  impor- 
lop,  on  the  second 
;s  to  many  docu- 
be  found, 
the  biography  of 
ido,  who  professes 
personally  of  his 
from  his  father's 
thenticity  of  this 


work  has  recently  been  challenged  by  the  indefati- 
gable Harrisse ;  but  he  has  not  succeeded  in  shaking 
the  faith  of  scholars  in  that  vivid  and  interesting  nar- 
rative, which  has  much  internal  evidence  in  its  favor. 
As  this  son  was  but  four  years  of  age  when  the  Admiral 
went  on  his  first  voyage,  his  personal  knowledge  covered 
only  the  latter  part  of  his  father's  career.  The  critical 
student,  therefore,  will  find  him  rather  vague  and  un- 
certain as  to  that  period.  In  admission  of  this  he  says  : 
"The  Admiral  having  gained  some  insight  in  sciences 
began  to  apply  himself  to  the  sea,  and  made  some 
voyages  to  the  east  and  west,  of  which  and  many  other 
things  of  those  his  first  days  I  have  no  perfect  knowl- 
edge, because  he  died  at  such  time  as  I,  being  confined 
by  filial  duty,  had  not  the  boldness  to  ask  him  to  give 
an  account  of  those  things ;  or,  to  speak  the  truth, 
being  but  young,  I  was  at  that  time  far  from  being 
troubled  with  such  thoughts."  Fernando's  biography 
may  be  read,  in  English  in  many  of  our  large  libraries. 

An  indispensable  work  to  the  thorough  study  of  Co- 
lumbus is  that  complete  collection  of  official  documefits 
of  the  transactions  of  the  sovereigns  of  Spain  in  con- 
nection with  his  voyages,  called  the  Codex  Diplomat- 
icus.  It  also  can  be  read  in  English,  under  the  title, 
*'  Memoirs  of  Columbus,  by  the  Decurions  of  Genoa." 

Many  other  works  might  be  mentioned,  but  these  are 
the  most  important. 

Recent  works,  such  as  the  extensive  and,  on  the 
whole,  excellent  work  of  Irving,  have  derived  incal- 
culable aid  from  the  gr«at  documentary  collections  of 
Mufioz  and  Navarrete,  which,  we  regret  to  say,  are 
not  available  to  English  readers ;  though  Major  in  his 


6  INTRODUCTION. 

Select  Letters,  and  Harrisse  in  his  Notes  on  Columbus, 
have  given  us  not  a  few  of  the  documents  and  letters 
in  our  own  language. 

In  the  earlier  half  of  this  century  a  querulous 
work,  entitled  "The  So-Called  Christopher  Colum- 
bus," by  Aaron  Godrich,  appeared  as  a  notable  curi- 
osity in  literature.  Living  men  may  hate  each  other 
very  intensely  ;  but  how  a  man  in  his  grave  nearly  four 
hundred  years  can  be  so  spitefully  hated  and  horribly 
caricatured  by  a  recent  inhabitant  of  this  New 
World  is  inexplicable,  to  say  the  least. 

As  another  extreme,  this  century  has  produced  a 
school  of  writers,  led  by  Count  Roselly  de  Lorgues,  of 
France,  who  can  discern  not  so  much  as  a  fault  or 
foible  in  this  man,  chosen  of  God  and  upheld  by 
miracles,  whom  the  Pope  should  recognize  by  saintly 
canonization.  But  the  candid  inquirer  must  admit 
that  with  all  his  greatness,  and  piety  according  to  the 
religion  of  that  period,  the  Admiral  had  his  fair  share 
of  faults. 

We  have  recently  had  some  very  scholarly  works  on 
Columbus  and  his  age  in  this  country.  That  by  Justin 
Winsor  is  one  of  the  most  critical  and  exhaustive  in  its 
ransacking  of  resources  which  any  country  is  likely  to 
produce  on  any  character;  but  it  is  not  probable  that 
unprejudiced  readers  will  recognize  such  a  very  great 
flood  of  new  light  in  the  unfavorable  view  given  by  that 
author  as  to  the  moral  character  of  the  Admiral.  And 
many  parts  of  the  narrative,  in  respect  to  the  treatment 
received  by  the  great  discoverer  from  his  adopted  nation, 
and  the  unparalleled  difficulties  he  encountered  in  his 
government  of  a  new  world,  the  humane  reader  will  in- 


otes  on  Columbus, 
iments  and  letters 

;ury  a  querulous 
iristopher  Colum- 
as  a  notable  curi- 
Ly  hate  each  other 
1  grave  nearly  four 
ated  and  horribly 
:nt    of    this   New 

St. 

^  has  produced  a 
Uy  de  Lorgues,  of 
iich  as  a  fault  or 
and  upheld  by 
ognize  by  saintly 
uirer  must  admit 
'  according  to  the 
had  his  fair  share 

cholarly  works  on 
'.  That  by  Justin 
1  exhaustive  in  its 
•untry  is  likely  to 
not  probable  that 
such  a  very  great 
view  given  by  that 
le  Admiral.  And 
:t  to  the  treatment 
lis  adopted  nation, 
ncountered  in  his 
ine  reader  will  in- 


INTRODUCTION.  - 

terline  with  sentiments  of  compassion  and  charitable 
judgment. 

Mr.  John  Fisk's  "  Discovery  of  America  "  contains  an 
account  of  Columbus  which  every  critical  student  should 
read.  It  is  the  result  at  once  of  the  most  thorough  re- 
search and  the  most  candid  and  generous  judgment. 

What  was   the   personal  appearance  of  Columbus  ? 
How  is  it  that  there  is  so  little  resemblance  in  his  various 
portraits  ?     Mr.  William  Elory  Curtis,  an  acknowledged 
authority  on  this  matter,  says  :  "  The  most  reliable  au- 
thorities—and  the  subject  has  been  under  discussion  for 
two  centuries— agree  that  there  is  no  tangible  evidence 
to  prove  that  the  face  of  Columbus  was  ever  painted  or 
sketched  or  graven  during  his  life.     His  portrait  has 
been  painted,  like  that  of  the  Madonna  and  those  of  the 
saints,  by  many  famous  artists,  each  dependent  upon 
verbal  descriptions  of  his  appearance  by  contemporane- 
ous writers,  and  each  conveying  to  the  canvas  his  own 
conception  of  what  the  great  seaman's  face  must  have 
been ;  but  it  may  not  be  said  that  any  of  the  portraits 
are  genuine,  and  it  is  believed  that  all  of  them  are  more 
or  less  fanciful." 

We  have,  however,  verbal  descriptions  of  his  physi- 
ognomy and  personal  appearance  by  five  distinguished 
personages,  who  knew  him  intimately.  His  son,  Fer- 
nando, says  :  "  The  Admiral  was  a  well-made  man,  of 
a  height  above  the  medium,  with  a  long  face,  and  cheek- 
bones somewhat  prominent ;  neither  too  fat  nor  too  lean. 
He  had  an  aquiline  nose,  light-colored  eyes,  and  a  ruddy 
complexion.  In  youth  he  had  been  fair,  and  his  hair 
was  of  a  light  color,  but  after  he  was  thirty  years  old  it 
turned  white.     In  eating  and  drinking  he  was  an  ex- 


^^-^^.'^  f^sm^-^^siss^^^s^. 


8 


INTRO  D  trc  TTON. 


ample  of  sobriety,  as  well  as  simple  and  modest  about 
his  person." 

Oviedo,  a  distinguished  Spanish  historian,  who  had 
seen  Columbus  at  different  times  during  his  youth  and 
early  manhood,  says  :  "  Columbus  was  a  man  of  honest 
parentage  and  sober  life.  He  had  a  noble  bearing,  good 
looks,  and  a  height  above  the  medium,  which  was  well 
carried.  He  had  sharp  eyes,  and  the  other  parts  of  his 
visage  were  well  proportioned.  His  hair  was  a  bright 
red,  his  complexion  flushed  and  marked  with  freckles. 
His  language  was  easy,  prudent,  showing  a  great  genius, 
and  he  was  gracious  in  manner." 

Bernaldez,  a  devout  ecclesiastic,  curate  of  Palacios, 
and  biographer  of  the  king  and  queen,  knew  Colum- 
bus well,  having  entertained  him  as  a  guest  for  quite  a 
time,  just  after  his  second  voyage.  He  describes  him 
as  "  a  man  of  fine  stature,  strong  of  limb,  with  an  elon- 
gated visage,  fresh  and  ruddy  of  complexion,  marked 
with  freckles.  He  had  a  noble  bearing,  was  dignified 
of  speech,  and  bore  a  kindly  manner." 

Peter  Martyr,  a  distinguished  man  in  learning  and 
literature  at  the  court  of  Spain  during  the  solicitations 
and  voyages  of  Columbus,  and  Las  Casas,  the  great 
missionary  to  the  Indians  and  the  humane  advocate  of 
their  cause,  both  describe  the  Admiral  in  language  very 
similar  to  the  statements  quoted.  The  latter  tells  us 
that  his  keen  eyes  were  gray,  that  his  countenance  was 
sad,  and  that,  while  he  spoke  fervently  and  fluently,  he 
was  inclined  to  be  reticent.  Naturally  of  an  impulsive 
temper,  his  anger  rose  quickly ;  but  all  his  moods  and 
operations  of  mind  were  tempered  with  a  high  sense  of 
justice. 


^iid  modest  about 

istorian,  who  had 
ing  his  youth  and 
iS  a  man  of  honest 
oble  bearing,  good 
n,  which  was  well 
I  other  parts  of  his 
hair  was  a  bright 
Iced  with  freckles, 
ing  a  great  genius, 

:urate  of  Palacios, 
een,  knew  Colum- 
i  guest  for  quite  a 
He  describes  him 
imb,  with  an  elon- 
mplexion,  marked 
ing,  was  dignified 

1  in  learning  and 
ig  the  solicitations 
;  Casas,  the  great 
iiniane  advocate  of 
1  in  language  very 
'he  latter  tells  us 
is  countenance  was 
ly  and  fluently,  he 
\y  of  an  impulsive 
all  his  moods  and 
ith  a  high  sense  of 


iNTnontrcrrox. 

9 

Of  all  the  portraits  claiming  to  represent  Columbus, 
he  Giovian  group  ,s  best  sustained  by  criticism.     It  is 
known  that  Paolo  Giovio,  archbishop  of  Nocera,  whose 
wealth  was  sufficient  to  indulge  his  literary  and  artistic 
tastes,  and  who  was  a  cotemporary  of  the  Admiral,  had 
a  portrait  of  him  in  the  magnificent  art  collection  of  his 
palace  on  the  banks  of  Lake  Como.     Five  paintings  and 
one   engraving,'  all   resembling  each  other  quite  per- 
ceptibly, lay  claim  to  be  the  original  Giovian  portrait, 
and  they  all  conform  sufficiently  to  the  descriptions  above 
quoted.     It  would  seem  that  either  some  one  of  them 
IS  the  original  from  which  all  the  rest  have  been  derived 
or  the  prototype  from  which  they  have  been  taken  is 
lost. 

Many  other  portraits  lay  claim  to  authority,  repre- 
senting the  physiognomies  of  nearly  all  the  nationali- 
ties of  Western  Europe.  It  is  pretty  certain  that  any 
por  rait  with  a  mustache,  or  beard,  or  a  ruff  about  the 
neck  IS  of  doubtful  likeness,  and  certainly  those  which 
conform  most  closely  to  the  descriptions  given  by  writers 
who  knew  him  are  most  entitled  to  our  confidence. 

Ihe  Lotto  portrait,  just  commanding  a  good  deal  of 
attention,  is  not  altogether  unlike  the  Giovian  type  and 
has  many  points  worthy  of  consideration ;  but  it  does 
not  jjromise  to  take  the  place  of  that  very  interesting 

Should  Columbus  be  consider.ed  the  rightful  discov- 
erer of  America  ?  Is  the  quadricentennial  exhibition 
f.rl    .^  held  by  the  Republics  of  America,  and,  in 


TO 


INTRODUCTION. 


majrmficcnt  sham  ?  A  good  deal  has  been  written  and 
said  on  this  point  during  the  last  few  years ;  but  the 
fact  that  everything  is  moving  harmoniously  toward 
that  Great  Western  City  in  which  the  World's  Fair  is 
to  take  place  shows  plainly  enough  that  men  in  general 
are  still  holding  to  the  old  opinion.  Columbus  is 
looked  upon  to-day  as  the  revealer  of  this  half  of  the 

globe. 

Not  to  speak  of  the  claims  put  forth  for  the  Egyp- 
tians, the  Cauaanites,  and  the  Chinese  as  the  original 
discoverers  and  colonizers  of  America,  we  will  begin 
with  those  of  the  Norsemen.     That  these  brave  sea- 
men made  various  voyages  to  the  North  Atlantic  coast 
in  the  last  part  of  the  tenth  and  the  first  part  of  the 
eleventh  century  is  now  too  clear  to  admit  of  a  doubt ; 
but  can  those  voyages,  which  left  no  trace  of  coloni/.a- 
tion  in  the  land  itself,  revealed  nothing  to  the  world, 
and  added  nothing  to  the  convenience  and  commerce 
of  the  world,— can  such  voyages  be  properly  called 
a  discovery  f    The  vague  accounts  found  in  the  Sagas, 
of  the  lands  discovered  by  chance  by  the  Norsemen, 
supposed  to  refer  to  Newfoundland,  Nova  Scotia,  and 
the  New  England  coast,  will  not  soon  take  the  place 
of  the  well-authenticated  voyages  of  Columbus,  con- 
ducted by  a  strictly  scientific  method,  and  obviously 
not  originated  by  intelligence  gained  from  Iceland. 

Between  this  period  and  the  date  of  the  first  voyage 
of  Columbus,  says  R.  H.  Major,  "  the  coast  of  America 
is  reported  to  have  been  visited  by  the  Arabians  of  the 
Spanish  peninsula,  the  Welsh,  the  Venetians,  the  Por- 
tuguese, and  also  by  a  Pole  in  the  service  of  Denmark." 
The  vagaries  of  these  claims  we  have  not  time  to  dis- 


been  written  and 
iv  years  ;  but  the 
noniously  toward 
;  World's  Fair  is 
at  men  in  general 
n.  Columbus  is 
r  this  half  of  the 

rth  for  the  Egyp- 
ie  as  the  original 
ca,  we  will  begin 
these  brave  sea- 
rth  Atlantic  coast 
e  first  part  of  the 
admit  of  a  doubt ; 
trace  of  coloni/.a- 
ing  to  the  world, 
ce  and  commerce 
e  properly  called 
und  in  the  Sagas, 
by  the  Norsemen, 
Nova  Scotia,  and 
Don  take  the  place 
of  Columbus,  con- 
od,  and  obviously 
d  from  Iceland, 
of  the  first  voyage 
e  coast  of  America 
he  Arabians  of  the 
/enetians,the  Por- 
rvice  of  Denmark." 
ve  not  time  to  dis- 


JNTliODUCTlON. 

cuss  in  a  work  which  is  supposed  to  appeal  to  the  com- 
mon sense  of  the  people  rather  than  to  hair-splitting 
speculations.  ^         * 

In  view  of  all  the  different  parties  claiming  to  have 
seen,  by  the  chance  of  overwhelming  storms  or  other- 
wise, the  shores  of  America  before  the  landing  of  Colum- 
bus,  perhaps  we  would  better  end  the  debate  as  to  pri- 
onty  of  discovery  by  concluding  that  the  aborigines  first 
found  the  Western  Continent,  and  rest  our  claim  in 

trJridf    '" ''' '"'  '''^' '''''"'  ^'^'--^  ^- 

J"st  here  we  are  reminded  forcibly  of  the  words  of  ' 
Peter  Martyr,  who  says:  "The  reverend  and  thankful 
antiquity  was  accustomed  to  esteem  those  men  as  gods 
by  whose  industry  and  magnanimity  such  lands  and 
regions  were  discovered  as  were  unknown  to  their  pre- 
decessors. But  unto  us,  having  only  one  God,  whom 
we  honor  in  triplicity  of  person,  this  resteth,that  albeit 
we  do  not  worship  that  kind  of  men  with  diline  honor, 
yet  we  do  reverence  them,  and  worthily  marvel  at  thei^ 
uoble  acts  and  enterprises." 


iiuMJin'inMii  uiiMiWriiiMni 


WMMiiWtilffiiitili'  ffmtfcajBBijiirft' 


CHAPTKR  1. 


THR  BrRTHPr.ACR  AND  KARI.V  UKK  oF  COLUMBUS, 

KNOA,  more  ancient  than  Rome,  and  one  of 
the  most  channinKly  located  cities  in    the 
'7'^'''  '•'^  ^''^'  iMrthplace  of  Christopher  Co- 
Intnbns.     Th.,nKh  much  disp.Ued  formerly,  this  is  now 
made  sure  beyond  a  doubt.     Henry  Harrisse,  who  n.ay 
be  called  the  ultnnate  authority  on  such  points,  in  the 
he  of  he  Admiral,  says  :'  "Columbus's  father,  Domenico 
who    let  It  be  said,  lived  long  enough  to  hear  of  the 
great  discovery  accomplished  by  his  son,  since  he  died 
m  1494,  called  himself  a  Genoese  in  four  deeds  executed 
at  Savona,  February  and  June,  1473,  August,  1484,  and 
November,  1491.     So  did  Columbus's  youngest  brolher 
Giacomo,  in  an  instrument  in  writing,  dated  September 
14S4.     1  hese  documents,  all  quoted  by  Tiraboschi,  are 
m  the  notarial  archives  of  Genoa.      Among  his  con- 
teinporanes,  Giustiniani,  Bernalde.,  Gallo,  Senarega, 
Cabot,   Geraldinus,   and    the   compilers   of   the    plsi 
novamenti  and  Itinerarcum,  all  call  him  a  Genoese  " 

Again,  page  70,  after  discussing  at  length  the  claims 
for  other  places,  he  says  :  "  To  close  this  exciting  debate 
we  propose  to  quote  Columbils  himself,  thinking  that 
his  opinion  on  the  subject  is  entitled  to  some  considera- 
lon.  In  the  will  or  deed  dated  February,  1498,  con- 
ernng  sundry  titles,  a  majorat,  &c.,  upon  his  descend- 
a^ts^saysm^soma^  :  '  i  ^as  born  in  Genoa ; ' 

'  Notes  on  Columbus,  p.  63.  ~  ■  ' 


,;■  1 


I .  DATE  OF  COL UMB US'S  BIR TH. 

and  speaking  of  that  city  lie  adds :  '  I  came  from  there, 
and  there  was  I  born,'" 

But  to  ascertain  the  date  of  Columbus's  birth  has  been 
still  more  difficult.  Bernaldez,  the  cura  de  los  Palacios, 
who  knew  Columbus  well,  says  in  his  quaint  way : 

"  And  this  bamt  Admiral  Christopher  Columbus,  of 
a  marvellously  honored  memory,  a  native  of  the  province 
of  Milan,  the  discoverer  of  the  Indies,  being  in  Valla- 
dolid,  in  the  month  of  May,  died  in  a  good  old  age,  being 
seventy  years  old  or  thereabouts.  Our  Lord  pardon 
him.     Amen."  . 

Therefore,  Irving,  Humboldt,  and  others  put  his  birth 
at  1435.  Others,  by  an  arrangement  of  inferences  from 
some  of  Columbus's  letters,  making  a  supposed  connec 
tion  which  is  not  very  conclusive,  have  placed  the  date 
at  i455-'56.  These  two  dates,  about  twenty  years  apart, 
are  both  at  variance  with  certain  well-authenticated 
statements  in  Columbus's  letters. 

An  examination  of  the  notarial  records  by  the  Mar- 
quis Stagliano,  apart  from  all  historical  statements 
would  place  the  date  of  the  birth  of  the  great  discoverer 
somewhere  from  October  29th,  1446,  to  October  29th, 
145 1.  Henry  Harrisse  thinks  it  can  be  fixed  between 
March  15th,  1446,  and  March  20th,  i447-  And  this 
date  accords  precisely  with  those  quite  definite  state- 
ments in  Columbus's  letters  which  were  so  notably  at 
variance  with  the  dates  above  given.  In  his  book  of  the 
first  voyage  (1492)  he  says :  "  I  was  upon  the  sea  twenty- 
three  years  without  being  off  it  any  time  worth  the 
speaking  of."  Again  he  says  "  that  he  took  to  the  sea 
at  fourteen  years  of  age  and  ever  after  followed  it." 
We  know  that  he  left  Lisbon  in  1484,  and  until  1492  was 


'*  ^«»w»i«ai«wi«w»iii>awiiie»-«aaB»M»iiaii»riliil^ 


wmMi^^Kimmm 


•'S  BIRTH. 

;  '  I  came  from  there, 

mbus's  birth  has  been 
i  cura  de  los  Palacios, 

his  quaint  way : 
stopher  Columbus,  of 
native  of  the  province 
idies,  being  in  Valla- 

a  good  old  age,  being 
;.     Our  Lord  pardon 

d  others  put  his  birth 
iut  of  inferences  from 
ig  a  supposed  connec- 
;,  have  placed  the  date 
tut  twenty  years  apart, 
in   well-authenticated 

i  records  by  the  Mar- 
bistorical  statements, 
of  the  great  discoverer 
446,  to  October  29th, 
can  be  fixed  between 
joth,  1447.  And  this 
e  quite  definite  state- 
ch  were  so  notably  at 
:n.  In  his  book  of  the 
IS  upon  the  sea  twenty- 
it  any  time  worth  the 
hat  he  took  to  the  sea 
^er  after  followed  it." 
^84,  and  until  1492  was 


I^ATE  OF  COLUMBUS'S  BIRTIL  jr 

soliciting  aid  for  his  voyage,  and  so  was  not  on  the  sea 
during  that  time.  Subtracting  the  sum  of  23  and  14 
from  1484,  and  allowing  some  months  more  or  less  at 
each  end  of  the  periods  covered  by  these  figures,  we 
easily  get  the  date  of  Harrisse,  which  includes  that  of 
Stagliauo— namely,  i446-'47,  or  thereabout. 

But  we  can  make  out  still  another  line  of  confirma- 
tion of  the  above  date.  In  1501  he  wrote  to  the 
Spanish  sovereigns, "  I  went  to  sea  very  young  and  have 
continued  it  to  this  day."  Now  this  term,  very  young, 
IS,  as  we  know,  14  years.  He  then  says :  "  ft  is  now 
forty  years  that  I  have  been  sailing  to  all  those  parts 
at  present  frequented."  Here  the  word  "sailing"  is 
used  more  generally,  and  evidently  includes  the  years 
he  spent  in  Spain  in  the  interests  of  his  first  voyage. 
Add  then  40  and  14,  and  subtract  the  sum  from  1501, 
and  we  are  back  again  to  1447  by  exact  figures;  and 
by  allowing  a  few  months  at  both  ends  of  the  periods 
given  we  might  easily  make  it  1446.' 

Here,  then,  by  three  independent  lines  of  calcula- 
tion, we  have  the  birth  of  Columbus  at  i446-'47.  And 
let  it  be  noted  that  these  lines,  one  by  means  of  the 
notarial  acts,  and  two  from  the  internal  evidence  of 
the  Admiral's  own  letters,  are  the  most  trustworthy 
possible.  Also,  as  the  language  of  Bernaldez,  on 
which  the  eariiest  date  has  been  founded,  is  not  very 
definite,  and  as  Columbus  turned  gray  young,  at 
thirty  years  of  age,  and  must  have  been  much 
broken  by  his  life  of  extreme  hardships  and  great 
anxiety,  his  age  at  sixty  might  easilv  have  been  mis- 


Genta  ^h!- nT^^rK'^TV"  °^  Columbus  published  by  the  Decurions  o» 
Oenou,  the  d.ite  of  his  birth  is  given  as  either  1446  or  1447. 


:*  :i 


*t'-**.^  ■■,.i^.- 


tJ"  • 


f  ;: 


jg  PARENTAGE  AND  HOME. 

taken  for  seventy  ;  but  the  same  sort  of  mistake  could 
scarcely  have  covered  the  twenty  years  from  fifty  to 

seventy.*  ^       .  ,     ,    ^     • 

This  date,  as  given  above,  accords  with  that  given 
by  Munoz,  whose  careful  research  and  noble  candor 
entitle  him  to  special  credit.'* 

Genoa  has  many  statues  of  distinguished  personages 
and  heroes,  along   the  line  of    her  great  antiquity; 
but  that  which  the  traveller  from  every  part  of  the 
world  stops  to  gaze  upon  is  the  imposing  figure  of  Co- 
lumbus, elevated  on  its  high  and  elaborate  pedestal, 
iu  the  public  promenade.  Piazza  de  Acqua,  with  the 
statue  of  America  kneeling  at  his  feet.    Scarcely  could 
this  distinguished  man  of  modern  times  have  opened  his 
eyes  upon  a  more  delightsome  landscape  or  a  prouder 
city    But  he  does  not  seem  to  have  cared  particularly  for 
the  forest-clad  slopes  and  rocky  peaks  of  the  Apen- 
nines, curving  like  an  amphitheatre  around  Genoa, 
nor  for  the  snowy  peaks  of  the  Alps  beyond.      He 
looked  out  upon  the  sea,  whence  came  the  ships  from 
all  parts  of  the  known  world ;  and  the  varied  costumes 
and    the   jargon  of  many  languages    in  the  harbor 
were,  to  his  boyhood  curiosity,  a  revelation   of  the 
wide  world  beyond  the  walls  and  moles  of  his  native 
city.     He  probably  never  saw  the  inside  of  one  of  the 

'^T^^^^^oT^c^T^^''^^^^^^^^^^^^-  "•  Major's  Select  Letters  of 
r^iiimhus   DD   X\  and  ■14  of  Introduction. 

tftTr^lt  it  m-t  be  admitted  that  these  lines  ^^ -idence  concerning  the 
dat  of  Co  umbus's  birth,  though  highly  probable,  are  not  absolutely  condu- 

ve      in  for  instance,  the  40  years  spent  on  the  sea  should  not  -elude  th 
,8  years  of  sojourn  in  Spain,  the  date  implied  by  Bernaldez,  and  adopted 
bv  Irving  and  Humboldt,  would  be  sufficiently  accurate. 

'.  Th^figure  .8,  as  representing  the  age  of  Columbus  when  he  «.me  to 
Spain,  and  which  is  found  in  one  of  his  letters,  is  evidently  a  mistake. 


ME. 


PARENTAGE  AND  HOME. 


17 


of  mistake  could 
sars  from  fifty  to 

s  with  that  given 
md  noble  candor 

lished  personages 
great  antiquity; 
every  part  of  the 
)sing  figure  of  Co 
laborate  pedestal 
;  Acqua,  with  the 
;t.    Scarcelj'  could 
;s  have  opened  his 
cape  or  a  prouder 
ed  particularly  for 
;aks  of  the  Apen 
re  around  Genoa, 
.Ips  beyond.      He 
ime  the  ships  from 
he  varied  costumes 
res    in  the  harbor 
revelation   of  the 
iioles  of  his  native 
aside  of  one  of  the 


I.  Major's  Select  Letters  of 

)f  evidence  concerning  the 

,  are  not  absolutely  conclu- 

sea  should  not  include  the 

by  Bernaldez,  and  adopted 

curate. 

olumbus  when  he  came  to 

5  evidently  a  mistake. 


many  marble  palaces  which  looked  out  so  proudly  on 
the  harbor,  nor  could  he  have  been  very  familiar  with 
the  great  centres  of  commerce,  representing  in  Genoa 
the  arts  and  products  of  the  civilized  world.  He  was 
the  son  of  a  wool-carder^ — in  fact,  belonged  to  an  an- 
cestry of  wool-carders;  and  he  grew  up  amidst  the 
incessant  industries  and  careful  economies  of  frugal 
life.  We  are  not  to  associate  his  childhood,  how- 
ever, with  a  pinching  poverty  or  the  siqualor  of  low 
life.  His  father,  Domenico  Columbo — Columbus  is  the 
latinized  form  of  the  name — probably  began  married 
life  in  his  own  house,  in  the  wool-weavers'  quarter  in 
Genoa,  having  also  a  shop  and  an  independent  busi- 
ness on  a  moderate  scale.  Possibly  he  had  a  small 
cloth  factory  with  a  journeyman  and  an  apprentice. 

A  careful  examination  of  the  notarial  acts  shows  that 
he  moved  to  Savona  in  1470.  Here  he  and  his  son 
Christopher  were  known  as  weavers  ;  but  the  ktter  dis- 
appears from  the  notarial  records  after  1473.  Domen- 
ico kept  a  house  of  entertainment  and  speculated  in 
small  landed  properties.  But  fortune  does  not  seem  to 
have  smiled  on  this  combination  of  enterprises,  for  in 
after  years  he  needed  Christopher's  aid,  and  at  least 
one  of  his  lots  remained  unpaid  for  at  his  death.  Dur- 
ing the  fifteen  years  spent  here  he  lost  his  wife,  whose 
maiden  name  was  Susannah  Fontanarossa,  and  whom 
he  married  in  the  country  lying  east  of  Genoa,  called 
Bisagno. 

Such,  as  nearly  as  we  can  judge,  was  the  youthful 


'  In  the  present  state  of  manufacturing,  inoaX-carding  and  yiooVeombiug 
are  very  different  processes.  Whether  the  Columbuses  were  wool-carders 
or  wool-combers,  is  very  difficult  to  determine. 


M 


1 8     FRENCH  PIRA  TE  S  NO  T  H/S  REL  A  T/ONS, 

home  and  such  were  the  circumstances  of  young  Chris- 
topher, the  oldest  of  four  sons,  of  whom  two,  Bartholo- 
mew and  James  (Diego  in  Spanish) ,  were  intimately  as- 
sociated with  his  fortunes  in  the  New  World ;  the  other, 
John  Pelligrino,  was  of  delicate  health  and  died  in  early 
manhood.  He  had  also  one  sister,  named  Bianchinetta, 
whose  husband,  Bavarillo,  was  a  cheesemonger,  or  some 
say  a  butcher.     They  had  one  child. 

Probably  a  little  more  light  on  the  humble  home  of 
Domenico  Columbo  would  disclose  a  family  of  no  ordi- 
nary moral  and  intellectual  status ,  for  such  a  trio  as 
the  Columbus  brothers  known  in  the  New  World  could 
not  have  sprung  from  an  indifferent  household.  It  has 
been  customary  to  take  a  somewhat  broad  view  of  the 
ancesttal  line,  showing  a  view  of  intellect  and  a  bold 
heroism  as  a  more  or  less  common  inheritance  for  sev- 
eral generations.  A  supposed  relative  of  the  same  name, 
presumably  a  great-uncle,  had  distinguished  himself, 
sometimes  as  master  of  his  own  squadron,  sometimes  as 
an  admiral  in  the  service  of  the  republic  of  Genoa. 
Also  a  nephew  of  his,  Colombo  el  Mezo,  who  commanded 
a  squadron  under  the  French  king  against  Naples,  is 
described  as  *'  a  famous  corsair,  so  terrible  for  his  deeds 
against  the  infidels  that  the  Moorish  mothers  used  to 
frighten  their  children  in  the  cradle  with  his  name." 

These  mariners,  noted  among  the  nations  as  pirates, 
were  well  known  under  the  French  flag  and  were  called 
Casauove  or  Coulon.^  "  To  determine  the  exact  rela- 
tionship between  the  various  French  and  Italian  Colom- 
bos  or  Coulons  of  the  fifteenth  century  would  be  hazard- 
ous.    It  is  enough  to  say  that  no  evidence  that  stands  a 

1  Sometimes  given  Catsaneuve- 


-taimimmm.immmm.^ 


ELATIONS, 

;  of  young  Chris- 
111  two,  Bartholo- 
;re  intimately  as- 
V^orld;  the  other, 
and  died  in  early 
led  Bianchinetta, 
;iiionger,  or  some 

humble  home  of 
iamily  of  no  ordi- 
)r  such  a  trio  as 
^ew  World  could 
)Usehold.  It  has 
jroad  view  of  the 
illect  and  a  bold 
aeritance  for  sev- 
)f  the  same  name, 
guished  himself, 
ron,  sometimes  as 
public  of  Genoa. 
,  who  commanded 
gainst  Naples,  is 
ible  for  his  deeds 
mothers  used  to 
ith  his  name." 
lations  as  pirates, 
g  and  were  called 
2  the  exact  rela- 
nd  Italian  Colom- 
would  be  hazard- 
mce  that  stands  a 


FERNANDO  NOTWITHSTANDING.  iq 

critical  test  remains  to  connect  these  famous  mariners 
with  the  line  of  Christopher  Columbus."  So  concludes 
Justin  Winsor,  after  the  most  critical  examination  of 
the  latest  authorities,  including  the  searching  works  of 
Harrisse.  And  surely  neither  of  these  authors  can  be 
charged  with  partiality  in  favor  of  Columbus.  It  is  the 
confiisKlg  of  the  great  discoverer  with  these  noted  cor- 
sairs above  referred  to,  and  making  him  responsible  for 
at  least  sharing  in  their  piratical  excursions,  which  has 
marked  him  down  as  a  ''pirate.''' 

It  is  Columbus's  own  son,  Fernando,  who  is  particu- 
larly responsible  for  initiating  this  noted  biographical 
blunder.  Confessing  ignorance  as  to  the  early  part  of 
his  father's  life,  he  adopted  this  tale  of  his  piratical  re- 
luLlouships  on  the  authority  of  one  Sabillicus,  who  is 
likewise  the  sole  voucher  for  the  startling  story  concern- 
ing the  escape  of  Columbus  from  the  burning  galleys  in 
the  Venetian  conflict,  on  an  oar.  This  piratical  encoun- 
ter, well  authenticated  in  the  state  papers  of  Spain  and 
Venice,  took  place  in  1485,  when  Columbus  had  already 
left  Lisbon,  and  must  have  been  too  much  enwrapped  in 
his  great  scheme  to  be  engaged  in  any  such  trifling  and 
predatory  affair. 

^Fernando,  having  grown  up  amidst  courtiers,  was  evi- 
dently sensitive  as  to  any  insinuation  concerning  the 
humble  origin  of.  his  father,  and  would  rather  associate 
him  with  first-class  pirates  than  with  an  ancestry  of 
wool-carders.  ''No  great  acumen,  however,  is  neces- 
sary," says  Harrisse,  "  to  discover  that  Fernando,  as  re- 
gards his  ancestors,  either  in  the  direct  line  or  other- 
wise, had  very  vague  and  unreliable  notions.  For  in- 
stance, he  includes  in  his  pedigree  the  procurator  Junius 


20 


COLUMBUS  A  SELF-MADE  MAN. 


Coloiiiis,  who  lived  under  the  Emperor  Claudius.     Now, 
Colonus  was  not  his  name,  but  Cilo.     He  then  states 
that  his  father  belonged  to  the  family  of  a  celebrated 
admiral  in  the  service  of  the  king  of  France,  often  called 
Colon  or  Colombo ;  but  the  fact  is  that  this  Colombo 
was  simply  a  Frenchman  by  the  name  of  Caseneuve." 
Equally  useless  would  it  be  to  try  to  connect  our 
hero  with  the  more  honorable  families  of  the  Colombos 
of  Genoa  and  vicinity,  since  Harrisse  finds  trace  of  at 
least  two  hundred  persons  of  that  name  in  Liguria 
alone,  in  the  time  of  Columbus,  who  were  in  nowise  con- 
nected with  him.     One  is  forcibly  reminded  of  a  cer- 
tain saying  in  the  "History"  attributed  to  his  son 
Ferdinand.    -"  I  think  it  better,"  says  he,  "  that  all  the 
honor  be  derived  to  us  from  his  person  than   to  go 
about  to  inquire  whether  his  father  was  a  merchant 
or  a  man  of  quality,  who  kept  his  hawks  and  hounds." 
Christopher  Columbus  must  be  ranked  with  self- 
made  men,  who  find  their  schools  and  schoolmasters 
mainly  in  the  course  of  events,  and  acquire  rich  stores 
of  systematic  knowledge  solely  by  dint  of  personal 
efifort.     But  his  school  advantages  in  boyhood  must 
have  been  fair, — must  at  least  have  laid  the  founda- 
tions for  the  wonderful  superstructures  of  both  gen- 
eral and  special  knowledge  and  information  reared  in 
after  years.     **  It  has  of  late  been  ascertained,"  says 
Winsor,  "  that  the  wool-combers  of  Genoa  established 
local  schools  for  the  education  of  their  children,  and 
the  young  Christopher  may  have  had  his  share  of 
their  instruction  in  addition  to  whatever  he  picked  up 
at  his  trade,  which  continued,  as  long  as  he  remained 
in  Italy,  th.-t  of  his  father."     C.ie  who  read  so  ex- 


■"iimmmm'^mmutm  ■ 


^mmmmm^ 


E  MAN. 

Claudius.     Now, 
He  then  states 
y  of  a  celebrated 
rauce,  often  called 
lat  this  Colombo 
le  of  Caseneuve." 
y  to  connect  our 
5  of  the  Colombos 
:  finds  trace  of  at 
aame  in  Liguria 
;re  in  nowise  con- 
minded  of  a  cer- 
buted  to  his  son 
I  he,  "  that  all  the 
irson  than   to  go 
was  a  merchant 
ivks  and  hounds." 
anked  with  self- 
nd  schoolmasters 
cquire  rich  stores 
dint  of  personal 
in  boyhood  must 
i  laid  the  founda- 
ures  of  both  gen- 
rmation  reared  in 
iscertained,"  says 
jcnoa  established 
leir  children,  and 
had  his  share  of 
;ver  he  picked  up 
y  as  he  remained 
who  read  so  ex- 


THE  BOrnEFORE  THE  MAST.  gj 

tensively  as  did  Columbus  must  have  read  easily  and 
with  pleasure ;    and  the  samples  of  his  handwriting 
which  have  come  down  to  us  would  indicate  a  facile 
and  most  graceful  penmanship.     If  the  various  pen- 
drawings  attributed  to  him  are  authentic,  and   they 
certainly  date  far  back  and  are  unique,  he  must  have 
had,  as  Winsor  says,  '<  a  deft  hand,  too,  in  making  a 
spirited  sketch  with  a  few  strokes."     The  various  ac- 
counts of  his   making  maps   and   charts,  even  as  a 
means  of  livelihood,  necessarily  imply  skill  in  draw- 
ing and  probably  in  coloring.     That  he  had  a  fair  use 
of  Latin,  that  he  was  a  practical  mathematician,  es- 
pecially a  nautical  astronomer,  and  not  only  abreast 
but  beyond  the  geographical  attainments  of  his  time 
IS  obvious.     That  he  deligkted  in   geography  and  all 
branches  of   knowledge   related    to  navigation   is  a 
necessary  inference  from  the  facts  and  course  of  his 
hfe.     How  much  of  all  this  varied  accumulation  of 
knowledge  is  to  be  attributed  to  the  taste  of  university 
hfe  at  Pavia,  ascribed  by  the  ''History''  to  his  tender 
years  of,  say,  from  ten  to  twelve,  must,  at  present  re- 
mam  a  mystery.     Certain  it  is,  according  to  his  own 
statement,  that  he  began  a  seafaring  life  at  the  mere 
boyhood  period  of  fourteen.  Imagine  him  then— "red- 
haired,"  "  with  a  ruddy  complexion  "  marked  with  the 
distinct  freckles  which  a  strong  sea-air  would  depict 
ou  such  a  face,  with  a  trace,  perhaps,  of  that  inflamma- 
tion of  the  eyes  which  troubled  him  so  seriously  in 
after  years,  slender,  active  and  enthusiastic,  and  we 
shall  no  doubt  have  a  fairly  correct  picture  of  this  boy 
before  the  mast,  bound  for  any  part  of  the  Mediter- 
ranean, or  even  the  wide  and  uuknowu  sea  outside  the 


sffeS!* 


IS. 
T 


U 


EARL  r  LIFE  A  T  SEA. 


Straits.  Pictures  of  wild  adventures  on  the  sea  fed  his 
ardent  imagination,  and  that  spirit  of  discovery  which 
was  the  characteristic  of  the  age  must  have  made  the 
blood  tingle  in  his  veins.  Not  only  the  severity  of  the 
elements, — the  storm  and  the  tempest — did  he  antici- 
pate, for  had  he  not  listened  to  many  a  bloody  tale  of 
piracy,  then  so  common  as  to  be  almost  legalized  ?  If 
he  were  on  board  the  ship  of  some  line  of  traffic,  he 
would  know  that  whole  fleets  of  marauders  might 
await  her,  and  that  there  might  be  sea-fights  as  terri- 
ble as  naval  conflicts  in  regular  warfare.  Indeed  the 
ship  would  be  heavily  armed  and  equipped,  and  every 
sailor  would  need  the  spirit  and  skill  of  the  soldier. 
As  there  was  no  very  nice  distinction  in  those  days 
between  proper  naval  enterprise  and  privateering,  and 
piracy,  his  judgment  would  not  discriminate  as  to 
voyages  and  skirmishes  which  would  be  far  from  rep- 
utable in  the  clearer  light  of  these  days. 

But  it  must  be  left  to  the  imagination  to  fill  out  the 
biographical  details  from  now  on  till  Columbus  appears 
again  as  a  wool-weaver  in  company  with  his  father  at 
Savona,  from  1470 -'73,  for  the  few  striking  incidents 
which  have  been  wont  to  come  into  line  to  fill  up  the 
gap  here,  formerly  supposed  to  be  much  larger  than  it 
now  appears  in  the  light  of  recent  findings,  are  likely  to 
prove  doubtful,  to  say  the  least,  as  far  as  their  relation 
to  Columbus  is  concerned. 

In  a  letter  of  Columbus,  quoted  by  his  son,  he  says : 
"  It  happened  to  me  that  King  Rene,  whom  God  has 
taken  to  himself,  sent  me  to  Tunis  to  take  the  galeasse 
called  Fernandina,  and  being  near  to  the  island  of  St. 
Peter,  by  Sardinia,  I  was  told  there  were  two  ships  and 


A. 

on  the  sea  fed  his 
discovery  which 
St  have  made  the 
he  severity  of  the 
t — did  he  antici- 
a  bloody  tale  of 
St  legalized  ?  If 
ine  of  traffic,  he 
aarauders  might 
ea-fights  as  terri- 
ire.  Indeed  the 
ipped,  and  every 
ill  of  the  soldier, 
•n  in  those  days 
privateering,  and 
iscriminate  as  to 
1  be  far  from  rep- 
ays. 

ion  to  fill  out  the 
Columbus  appears 
vith  his  father  at 
striking  incidents 
ine  to  fill  up  the 
ich  larger  than  it 
iings,  are  likely  to 
r  as  their  relation 

his  son,  he  says : 
e,  whom  God  has 
take  the  galeasse 
the  island  of  St. 
ere  two  ships  and 


r//^  EXPEDITION  FOR  RENE. 

a  barack  with  the  said  galeasse,  which  discomposed  my 
men,  and  they  resolved  to  go  no  further,  but  to  return 
to  Marseilles  for  another  ship  and  more  men  ;  and  I, 
perceiving  there  was  no  going  against  their  wills  with- 
out some  contrivance,  yielded  to  their  desires,  and,  chang- 
ing the  point  of  the  needle,  set  sail  when  it  was  late,  and 
next  morning  at  break  of  day  we  found  ourselves  near 
Cape  Carthagena,  all  aboard  thinking  we  had  certainly 
been  sailing  for  Marseilles." 

It  is  difficult  for  critics  to  place  this  event  anywhere 
ni  the  life  of  Rene  without  making  Columbus  too  young 
to  command  a  ship,  unless  we  place  the  date  of  his  birth 
earlier  than  the  notarial  records  or  the  clearest  state- 
ments in  his  letters  would  imply. 

It  must  be  said,  however,  that  though  Rene  retired 
from  active  life  too  soon  to  allow  the  above  incident  a 
convenient  date  in  the  early  history  of  Columbus,  he 
lived  till  1480.  Possibly  some  incident  connected  with 
the  fortunes  of  his.  regal  family,  and  in  which  he  may 
have  felt  an  interest,  would  account  for  the  above  state- 
ment. 

In  the  Admiral's  biography,  given  as  an  introduction 
to  the  famous  Codex  Diploraaticus,  as  published  by  the 
Decurions  of  Genoa,  this  expedition  for  Rene  is  supposed 
to  be  in  1473. 

Is  it  in  this  period  of  the  life  of  Columbus  we  are  to 
place  that  trip  to  the  Grecian  archipelago,  when,  in  the 
island  of  Chios,  he  saw  the  mastic  gathered  ? 


CHAPTER  11. 

COLUMBUS   IN   PORTUGAL. 

[he  years  spent  by  Columbus  in  Portugal  must 
have  been  most  important  as  a  preparation 
,  for  his  momentous  undertaking  in  after  years. 

Here,  surely,  did  he  find  his  school  and  his  school- 
masters.    In  order,  therefore,  to  understand  this  period 
of  his  life  we  must  recall  what  had  been  going  on  in 
Portugal  for  some  time,  and  what  was  still  in  progress, 
as  well  as  what  was  yet  to  be  accomplished.     Neither 
can  we  account  for  Columbus  and  his  grand  concep- 
tion of  a  western  route  to  India,  unless  we  shall  have 
first  made  the  acquaintance  of  the  noble  Prince  Henry 
of    Portugal  and  his  persevering   enterprises   on   the 
west  coast  of  Africa.     This   son  of  the   Portuguese 
king,  John  L,   and    the    English   pvincess,  Philippa, 
daughter  of  John  of  Gaunt,  duke  of  Lancaster,  was 
born  March  4th,  1394-    While  yet  a  mere  youth  he  dis- 
tinguished himself  on  the  Barbary  coast,  in  the  wars 
waged  by  his  father  against  the  Moors,  and  resulting  in 
the  conquest  of  Ceuta  in  1415-     While  on  this  expedi- 
tion, by  means  of  his  conversations  with  the  Moors,  he 
conceived  of  great  discoveries  to  be  made  on  the  west 
coast  of  Africa;  and  this  thought  lodged  in  his  youthful 
mind  became  the  germ  of  one  of  the  greatest  enterpnses 
of  all  time.     Cape  Nam,  well  up  on  the  northwest  coast 
of  Africa,  was  the  farthest  known  point.    The  name, 
which  meant  "  not,''  was  forcibly  played  upon  in  the  old 


in  Portugal  must 
as  a  preparation 
ing  in  after  years. 

and  his  school- 
rstand  this  period 
Deen  going  ou  in 

still  in  progress, 
plished.  Neither 
lis  grand  concep- 
;ss  we  shall  have 
ble  Prince  Henry 
aterprises  on  the 
f  the  Portuguese 
tincess,  Philippa, 
jf  Lancaster,  was 
mere  youth  he  dis- 
coast,  in  the  wars 
s,  and  resulting  in 
ile  on  this  expedi- 
vith  the  Moors,  he 

made  on  the  west 
red  in  his  youthful 
;reatest  enterprises 
he  northwest  coast 
point.  The  name, 
^red  upon  in  the  old 


rii/Ncii:  iiENnr. 


25 


proverb  of  that  day :  '•  He  who  goes  to  Cape  Not  will 
either  return  or  not."  That  is,  if  he  did  not  become  ter- 
rified and  come  back  he  would  surely  be  lost. 

Immediately  after  the  African  conquest  Prince  Henry 
established  a  sort  of  nautical  school  at  Sagres,  near  Cape 
Vincent,  on  the  southwest  coast  of  Spain ;  and  from 
thence  sending  out  ships  commanded  by  the  ablest  sea- 
men he  could  find,  he  undertook  to  solve  the  problem  of 
Cape  Not.  His  college  and  observatory  were  a  sort  of 
factory  or  workshop,  in  which  maps,  charts,  and  nauti- 
cal instruments  of  all  kinds  were  made  and  constantly 
improved.  An  improved  use  of  the  compass  was  now 
introduced  into  Europe,  and  the  astrolabe,  the  original 
of  the  more  modern  quadrant,  became  common. 

In  time,  notwithstanding  the  old  proverb.  Cape  Not 
was  passed,  and  the  ships  pushed  on  to  Cape  Bojador 
which  means  the  out-stretcher.     This  now  became  the 
point  of  danger  which  no  one  dared  to  pass.     Its  desert 
coast,  lashed  by  a  tremendous  surf  and  studded  with 
perilous  rocks,  stood  like  a  mysterious  barrier  forbidding 
further  progress.     Then,  did  not  philosophers  teach  that 
just  beyond  this  cape  and  underneath  the  equator  the 
waters  boiled  under  the  blazing  sun,  and  that  no  living 
thing  could  pass  this  line  which  divided  the  two  hemi- 
spheres ?     After  the  failure  of  many  a  persevering  effort, 
Gil  Eannes  finally  returned  in  triumph,  to  the  unuttera- 
ble joy  of  seamen  and  cosmographers.     With  an  unpar- 
alleled heroism  he  had  doubled  the  stormy  cape  and 
satisfied  the  world  that  the  sea  was  navigable  and  that 
men  might  live  under  the  equator.     Very  soon,  then, 
the  equatorial  line  itself  would  be  reached. 
Now  the  noble  prince  was  much  encouraged  and  be- 


■I 


I 


4, 


26 


PRINCR  tiRNnr. 


lieved  more  than  ever  that  the  geographical  ideas  of 
Ptolemy  and  of  Hipparchus  before  him,  making  the  At- 
lantic a  vast  inland  sea,  snrrounded  by  a  southern  junc- 
tion of  Africa  and  Asia,  were  incorrect ;  and  that  Africa 
was  a  continent,  around  which  Kudoxus  might  have 
sailed  from  the  Red  Sea,  and  Hanno,  the  Carthaginian, 
from  the  Straits  of  Gibraltar,  as  had  been  affirmed  b\ 
the  ancients.'  Thus,  in  1434,  when  Henry  was  about 
at  life's  meridian,  he  had  fairly  established  the  success 
of  his  great  enterprise,  and  put  to  silence  the  mutterings 
of  the  Portuguese  nation,  who  had  about  concluded  that 
it  was  but  the  part  of  folly  to  spend  so  much  precious 
time  and  money  in  an  undertaking  which  progressed  so 
slowly  and  brought  such  poor  returns. 

Now  that  such  visions  of  success  rose  before  him  on 
the  unknown  continent,  he  applied  to  the  Pope  to  grant 
to  Portugal  all  the  territory  she  might  discover  from 
Cape  Bojador  to  the  Indies.  Meanwhile,  in  passing 
down  the  coast,  Porto  Santo,  Madeira,  and  the  Azores 
had  been  brought  to  light.  In  1445  one  of  the  Prince's 
vessels  made  the  immense  voyage  to  Cape  Verde.  Five 
years  later  the  Cape  Verde  Islands  were  discovered,  and 
when  Henry  died,  in  1460,  his  fleets  had  reached  Sierra 
Leone.  He  was  every  way  a  noble  man,  concentrating 
a  life-work  in  one  great  purpose,  and  establishing  a  new 
and  most  important  era  in  the  world's  history. 

Now  Portugal  was  not  only  renowned  for  her  enter- 
prise in  navigation,  but  was  developing  a  most  lucra- 
tive business  in  gold-dust,  ivory,  and  slaves.  Men  had 
long     ince   learned   to   strive   for  golden   gains,   but 

'  Wht  ner  these  old-time  heroes  did  perform  this  feat  in  navigation  or  not 
is  8till  a  question. 


raphical  ideas  of 
1,  making  the  At- 
a  southern  junc- 
and  that  Africa 
xus  might  have 
he  Carthaginian, 
lecn  affirmed  b\ 
ienry  was  about 
shed  the  success 
ce  the  mutterings 
It  concluded  that 
;o  much  precious 
ich  progressed  so 

;e  before  him  on 
he  Pope  to  grant 
lit  discover  from 
vhile,  in  passing 
and  the  Azores 
le  of  the  Prince's 
ape  Verde.  Five 
re  discovered,  and 
ad  reached  Sierra 
an,  concentrating 
stablishing  a  new 
history. 

ed  for  her  enter- 
ig  a  most  lucra- 
ilaves.  Men  had 
Iden   gains,   but 


at  in  navigation  or  not 


Jtmm  ,/o//jv  //, 


«7 


the  glorious    light   of  human    fr.:cdom  had    not    yet 
dawned.  '' 

Prince  Henry  had  th.  roughly  arou.sed  the  nation; 
the  new  enterprises  which  he  had  inaugurated  had  be- 
come well  establislici,  and  so  King  Alphonso,  his 
nephew,  and  afterward  John  II.,  continued  t..  push 
their  fleets  down  the  coast  of  the  Dark  Continent 
until  Vasco  dc  Gama  turned  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope 
in  1497-  Thus  in  about  eighty  years  the  Portuguese 
had  explored  this  coast  of  sonir  five  thousand  miles 

Meanwhile  Lisbon  had  become  the  centre  and  resort 
of  cosmographers  and  navigators.  Among  others  to  be 
found  here  was  Bartholomew  Columbus,  said  to  have 
been  engaged  in  making  globes,  maps,  charts,  and  nan- 
tical  instruments.  But  how,  and  when,  did  Christo- 
pher  Columbus  first  make  his  appearance  in  this  his 
most  convenient  place  in  all  the  wide  world?  We 
might  easily  conceive  of  his  coming  here  by  a  mental 
and  moral  gravitation,  but  what  says  the  record  ? 

His  son  Fernando,  in  his  well-known  biography  of 
his  father,  brings  him  to  these  parts  by  means  of  a 
striking  incident,  as  follows:  "Whilst  the  Admiral 
sailed  with  the  aforesaid  Columbus  the  younger,  which 
vvas  a  long  time,'  it  fell  out  that,  understanding  the 
before-mentioned  four  great  Venetian  galleys  were 
coming  from  Flanders,  they  went  out  to  seek  and  found 
them  beyond  Lisbon,  about  Cape  St.  Vincent,  which  is  in 
Portugal,  where,  falling  to  blows,  they  fought  furiously 
and  grappled,  beating  one  another  from  vessel  to  vessel 
with  utmost  rage,  making  use  not  only  of  their  weap- 

h.ir*'  "f"  ^''?'  '''"'  '*""  """""■  "^^  '■""y  o<^coJ,^cUo"nlh^rfeih7r 
mlarsca.''^   ''''"'  under  "Columbus  the  pirate"  in  hi,  early  adve" 


28 


A   CONFLAGRATION  AT  SEA. 


oils,  but  artificial  fire-works ;  so  that  after  they  had 
fought  from  morning  till  evening,  and  abundance  were 
killed  on  both  sides,  the  Admiral's  ship  took  fire,  as 
did  a  great  Venetian  galley,  which  being  fast  grappled 
together  with  iron  hooks  and  chains,  used  to  this  pur- 
pose by  beafaring  men,  could  neither  of  them  be  re- 
lieved because  of  the  confusion  there  was  among  them, 
and  the  fright  of  the  fire,  which  in  a  short  time  was  so 
increased  that  there  was  no  other  remedy  but  for  all 
that  could  to  leap  into  the  water,  so  to  die  sooner  rather 
than  bear  the  torture  of  the  fire.  But  the  Admiral 
being  an  excellent  swimmer,  and  seeing  himself  two 
leagues  or  a  little  farther  from  land,  laying  hold  of  an 
oar  which  good  fortune  offered  him,  and  sometimes 
resting  upon  it,  sometimes  swimming,  it  pleased  God, 
who  had  preserved  him  for  greater  ends,  to  give  him 
strength  to  get  to  the  shore,  but  so  tired  and  spent 
with  the  water  that  he  had  much  ado  to  recover  him- 
self. And  because  it  was  not  far  from  Lisbon,  where 
he  knew  there  were  many  Genoese,  his  countrymen, 
he  went  away  thither  as  fast  as  he  could,  where,  being 
known  by  them,  he  was  so  courteously  received  and 
entertained  that  he  set  up  house  and  married  a  wife  in 
that  city."  * 

A  noted  incident,  corresponding  in  every  way  to  the 
above   account,  is   known  to   have  occurred  in   1485. 


•  Concerning  this  same  adventure  Fernando  Columbus  says:  "Jerome 
Donato  was  sent  embassador  from  Venice  into  Portugal  to  return  thanks  in 
the  name  of  the  republic  to  King  John  II.,  because  he  had  clothed  and  re- 
lieved all  the  crew  belonging  to  the  aforesaid  great  galleys,  which  were  coming 
from  Flanders,  relieving  them  in  such  a  manner  as  they  were  enabled  to  re- 
turn to  Venice,  they  having  been  overcome  by  the  famous  corsair,  Columbus 
the  younger,  near  Lisbon,  who  had  stripped  and  turned  them  ashore." 


'SEA. 

t  after  they  had 
[  abundance  were 
ship  took  fire,  as 
Ing  fast  grappled 
used  to  this  pur- 
•  of  them  be  re- 
vas  among  them, 
hort  time  was  so 
tnedy  but  for  all 
die  sooner  rather 
But  the  Admiral 
:ing  himself  two 
lying  hold  of  an 
,  and   sometimes 

it  pleased  God, 
ids,  to  give  him 
tired  and  spent 

to  recover  hini- 
n  Lisbon,  where 
his  countrymen, 
lid,  where,  being 
sly  received  and 
narried  a  wife  in 

svery  way  to  the 
icurred  in   1485. 

umbus  says:  •'Jerome 
;al  to  return  thanks  in 
le  had  clothed  and  re- 
;ys,  which  were  coming 
ley  were  enabled  to  re- 
lous  corsair,  Columbus 
ed  them  ashore." 


COLUMBUS  TUB  PIRATE. 


39 


Rawdon  Brown,  in  his  "Calendar  of  State  Papers  in 
the  Archives  of  Venice,"  gives  the  diplomatic  corre- 
spondence  between    France    and   Venice,    the    latter 
demanding  restitution  from  the  former,  under  whose 
auspices  the  piratical  expedition  had  been  made      But 
as  this  incident  occurred  after  Columbus  had  left  Por- 
tugal, there  must  be  some  mistake  in  Feniando's  quota- 
tion, or  there  must  have  been  another  previous  incident 
so  similar  as  to  be  almost  identical  in  character      As 
Justin  Win^or  says :  -  It  may  yet  be  discovered  that 
it  was  irom  some  earlier  adventure  that  the  buoyancy 
of  an  oar  took  him  to  the  land." 

Bemaldez  says  Columbus  came  to  Lisbon  in  order 
to  avail  himself  of  the  new  facts  concerning  the  African 
coast,  that  he  might  thereby  improve  his  maps      It  is 
evidently  incorrect  to  associate  Christopher  Columbus 
with  the  noted  piratical  encounter  between  the  French 
corsair  and  the  Venetian  galleys  off  Cape  St.  Vincent 
m   1485.     The  following  letter  from  Ferdinand  and 
Isabella  to  the  King  of  England,  November  5th,  148s 
reads  :     -  Columbus,  Vice-Admiral  and  Commander  of 
the  fleet  of  the  King  of  France,  has  captured,  off  the 
coast  of  Portugal,  four  Venetian  vessels,  laden  with  a 
great  quantity  of  merchandise,  belonging  to  Spanish 
subjects.     As  the  capture  is  contrary  to  the  treaties 
^^ith   France,  Columbus   has   preferred   to   go   to  an 
English  port,  in  order  to  divide  the  booty  there      The 
King  is  requested  to  arrest  the  said  Columbus  and  to 
restore  the  goods  to  their  owners." 

This  was  about  the  time  when  Christopher  Columbus 
appeared  before  the  Spanish  monarchs  to  ask  aid  in 
his  great  undertaking.     What  would  have  been  his 


i   i 


30 


COL  UMB  US  AT  L I  SB  ON. 


chance  for  a  hearing  had  they  been  able  to  associate 
him  with  this  annoying  encounter  just  take'n  place  off 

St.  Vincent  ? 

By  whatever   accident,   circumstance,   or   influence 
Columbus  came  to  Lisbon,  certain  it  is  that  he  could 
not  have  found  in  all  the  world  so  fit  a  place  for  the 
conception   of  his   momentous   undertaking.     Would 
not  the  entire  Portuguese  nation  be  in  sympathy  with 
the  achievements  of  Prince  Henry  ?    Would  not  Lisbon 
be  the  very  heart-throbbing  centre  of  the  vast  thoughts 
of  discovery  which  now  moved  the  thinking  world? 
Here  the  future  Admiral  would  come  into  contact  and 
communion  with  the  greatest  minds  then  engaged  in 
nautical  and  cosmographical  studies.     Here  he  would 
converse  with  the  heroes  of  the  ocean,  who  had  seen 
and  explored  the  coasts  of  the  wonderful  continent, 
and  had  gazed  on  the  new  stars  of  the  southern  skies. 
Would  not  his  brother  Barthblomew,  who  had  an  aflfec- 
tion  for  him,  amounting  almost  to  veneration,  do  what 
he  could  to  retain  him  as  a  companion  and  partner  in 
his  business  ?     Here  were  also  bankers  from  Genoa, 
who  were  ready  to  aid  their  countryman  financially  in 
time  of  need.     A  good  brother,  kind  friends,  a  busi- 
ness  ready  to  hand,  money  if  needed,  and  a   social 
atmosphere  congenial  to  one's  peculiar  tastes— what 
more  could  the  tempest-tossed  stranger  ask  as  a  reason 
for  anchorage  ?     And  here  Christopher  Columbus  did 
cast  anchor ;  joining  hands,  perhaps,  with  Bartholomew, 
not  only  in  cartography  and  manufacture  of  nautical 
instruments,  but  possibly  in  copying  rare  manuscripts 
not  yet  in  print,  and  in  buying  and  selling  books. 
And  for  all  such  commodities  this    must  have  been 
one  of  the  best  markets  in  the  world. 


Tru 
Strang 
chapel 
good  f 
in  son: 
Filipa 
naviga 
great  i 
zation 
enterp 
ren,  a: 
cultur< 
introdi 
as  to 
good  ] 
fruitle; 
ing  be( 
bond  I 
Genoe; 
lived  i 
and  su 

Resi 
with  h 
conget] 
voyage 

'  Darw 

on  the  vo 
the  rapid 
cumstanc 
loured  ei 
Prince  W 
alamity 
'lands  w( 
^  This  1 


ble  to  associate 
taken  place  off 

e,   or   influence 
s  that  he  could 

a  place  for  the 
taking.     Would 

sympathy  with 
'ould  not  Lisbon 
he  vast  thoughts 
hinking  world? 
into  contact  and 
hen  engaged  in 

Here  he  would 
1,  who  had  seen 
lerful  continent, 
s  southern  skies, 
vho  had  an  aflFec- 
leration,  do  what 
n  and  partner  in 
ers  from  Genoa, 
an  financially  in 
L  friends,  a  busi- 
ed, and  a   social 
liar  tastes — what 
:r  ask  as  a  reason 
er  Columbus  did 
'ith  Bartholomew, 
Lcture  of  nautical 
rare  manuscripts 
id  selling  books. 

must  have  been 


DOK'A  FILIPA  PERESTRELLO. 


31 


True  to  his  religious  convictions  while  thus  in  a 
strange  land,  he  went  every  day  to  worship  in  the 
chapel  of  the  Convent  of  All  Saints.  Here  his  usual 
good  fortune  awaited  him.  Among  the  ladies  of  rank 
in  some  way  connected  with  this  institution  was  Dofia 
Filipa  Perestrello,  daughter  of  a  late  distinguished 
navigator  under  Prince  Henry.  She  possessed  no 
great  fortune,  for  her  father  had  not  found  the  coloni- 
zation and  governing  of  Porto  Santo  a  very  profitable 
enterprise.  This  island,  of  volcanic  origin,  black,  bar- 
ren, and  treeless,  probably  was  not  very  amenable  to 
culture;  and  the  governor  in  stocking  it,  having 
introduced  tame  rabbits,  they  multiplied  so  rapidly 
as  to  eat  down  every  green  thing,  and  obliged  the 
good  man  to  spend  most  of  his  remaining  life  in  a 
fruitless  eifort  to  subdue  them.^  This  gentleman  hav- 
ing been  an  Italian,  there  must  have  been  a  natural 
bond  of  sympathy  between  his  daughter  and  the 
Genoese  stranger.  The  story  is  short, — they  married, 
lived  happily,  and  had  a  son,  Diego,  who  became  heir 
and  successor  to  his  father's  fortunes. 
Residing  during  the  early  days  of  his  married  life 

ith  his  mother-in-law,^  he  must  have  found  her  quite 
congenial,  for  she  entertained  him  with  accounts  of  the 

oyages  of  her  husband,  deceased,  and  gave  him  full 


w 


'  Darwin,  in  his  Origin  of  Species,  notes  how  Perestrello's  rabbit,  littering 
on  the  voyage  and  bfeing  landed  at  Porto  Santo  with  her  young,  soon  proved 
the  rapid  multiplication  of  species  in  the  tbsence  of*  enemies  or  adverse  cir- 
cumstances ;  and  that  the  rabbits,  fairly  swarming  all  over  the  island,  de- 
foured  every  green  and  succulent  thing,  almost  converting  it  into  a  desert. 
Prince  Henry's  biographers  tell  us  that  his  enemies  seized  upon  this 
alamity  as  an  evidence  against  the  expenses  of  colonization,  since  these 
'lands  were  evidently  not  created  for  men,  but  only  for  beasts. 

^  This  lady  is  now  supposed  to  have  been  the  second  wife  of  Perestrello. 


32 


COLUMBUS  AT  PORTO  SANTO. 


>' 


access  to  the  charts  and  records  he  had  left.  Pedro 
Correo,  who  had  married  his  wife's  sister,  was  one  of 
the  noted  navigators  of  his  time,  and  had  once  been 
governor  of  Porto  Santo.  Intercourse  with  him  must 
have  been  stimulating  and  instructive. 

It  is  most  interesting  to  note  how  all  this  is  pre- 
cisely in  the  line  of  what  proved  to  be  the  ruling 
thought  and  purpose  in  the  after  life  of  Columbus. 

In  course  of  time  the  young  couple  took  up  their 
abode  on  the  bride's  estate  in  Porto  Santo.  Here 
Diego  was  born.  This  point  being  on  the  line  of 
Portuguese  navigation  to  Africa,  Columbus,  somewhere 
about  this  time,  made  an  excursion  thither— probably 
more  than  once.* 

Some  time  during  this  period  of  his  life  the  grand 
conception  of  a  western  route  to  India  dawned  upon 
him.  We  need  not  resort  to  the  slanderous  rumor, 
circulated  after  his  death  and  still  advocated  by  some, 
that  he  obtained  his  information  of  a  western  country 
from  a  certain  sea-captain  or  pilot  who,  having  been 
blown  out  of  his  course  and  all  the  way  to  America  by 
an  adverse  wind,  had  returned  to  die  at  the  house  of 
Columbus  at  Porto  Santo.  This  rumor,  brought  for- 
ward by  the  defence  during  the  lawsuit  between  Diego 
Columbus  and  the  Spanish  Crown,  gained  no  credence 
at  the  time,'  and  certainly  should  gain  none  now, 
after  being  rejected  by  all  the  best  authorities  on  the 
life  of  Columbus. 


1  Some  eflfort  has  been  made  to  throw  discredit  on  this  residence  in  Porto 
Santo  and  the  events  connected  with  it;  but  it  is  narrated  by  Las  Casas,  who 
got  his  information  from  the  Admiral's  son,  Diego,  himself. 

»  Oviedo  says:  "This  story  is  a  yarn  which  found  credence  only  among 
common  people." 


[NTO. 

id  left.  Pedro 
ter,  was  one  of 
had  once  been 
with  him  must 

all  this  is  pre- 
be   the  ruling 
f  Columbus. 

2  took  up  their 
Santo.      Here 

on  the  line  of 
ibus,  somewhere 
ither — probably 

3  life  the  grand 
a  dawned  upon 
Luderous  rumor, 
'^ocated  by  some, 
western  country 
'ho,  having  been 
ly  to  America  by 

at  the  house  of 
lor,  brought  for- 
it  between  Diego 
ined  no  credence 
gain  none  now, 
uthorities  on  the 


this  residence  in  Porto 

ated  by  Las  Casas,  who 

timself. 

i  credence  only  among 


COLUMBUS  AND  THE  NORSEMEN. 


33 


Scarcely  less  worthy  of  confidence  is  the  later 
notion,  that  knowledge  of  the  discovery  of  America  by 
the  Norsemen,  first  obtained  from  Rome  and  afterward 
confirmed  by  a  voyage  to  Iceland,  led  Columbus  to 
simply  rediscover  for  the  south  what  had  long  been 
known  in  the  north.  That  the  sea-kings  from  Iceland 
sailed  to  the  North  Atlantic  coast  of  North  America 
about  the  end  of  the  tenth  century,  and  that  Colum- 
bus, according  to  a  letter  of  his  quoted  by  his  son, 
went  probably  to  Iceland,  but  possibly  not  farther  than 
the  Faroe  Isles,  in  1477,  "ot  even  the  tyro  in  history 
doubts.  But  where  is  the  evidence  of  any  connection 
between  the  two  events  ?  In  all  the  voluminous 
records  of  facts  concerning  Columbus  and  his  times, 
by  both  friends  and  foes,  there  is  never  a  whisper  of 
any  Norse  influence  over  his  mind  or  conduct, — not 
even  in  the  records  of  a  lawsuit  of  several  years,  in 
which  the  defendants  of  the  Crown,  as  against  the 
claims  of  Diego,  Columbus's  eldest  son,  said  every- 
thing possible  against  the  late  Admiral  and  Viceroy  as 
the  rightful  discoverer  of  the  New  World.  How  could 
any  such  fact,  had  it  existed,  have  failed  to  be  brought 
to  light  during  that  long  and  thorough  search  ?  Nor 
has  the  most  scrutinizing  research  up  to  the  present 
hour  brought  any  evidence  whatever  to  support  the 
above  hypothesis.  (See  Justin  Winsor's  late  work  on 
Christopher  Columbus,  pp.  135-148). 

Then  how  unaccountable  it  is  that  the  Pope,  if  he 
knew  that  Columbus  had  a  budget  of  facts  from  the 
north,  so  important  to  the  interests  of  the  extension  of 
the  church,  did  not  so  much  as  help  the  argument  with 
the  touch  of  his  little  finger,  when  our  hero  was  plead- 


34 


DEDUCTIVE  REASONING. 


ing  with  the  crowned  heads  for  those  few  small  ships  ? 
The  sovereigns  to  whom  the  overtures  were  made  were 
all  the  most  faithful  children  of  the  church,  as  were  also 
their  counsellors  at  Salamanca  and  elsewhere.  The 
slightest  suggestion  from  the  Holy  See  would  have 
turned  the  scale  at  once  in  favor  of  the  Genoese  adven- 
turer. 

But,  waiving  all  external  evidence,  let  us  look  at  that 
which  is  internal .     Let  us  pursue  Columbus  from  court 
to  court  and  across  the  sea  as  he  goes  in  search  of  land 
to  the  westward,  somewhat  after  the  manner  of  a  detec- 
tive, and  see  what  knowledge  and  what  motives  his  own 
movements  betray.     His  grand  discovery  was  no  mere 
happy  hit,  like  that  of  Cabral,  when  he  ran  onto  the 
coast  of  Brazil  on  his  way  to  Africa  some  years  later. 
Columbus  worked  to  a  theory,  founded  upon  a  wide 
range  of  facts  and  deductions  more  or  less  correct ;  and 
that  theory  would  seem  to  be  none  other  than  the  one 
claimed  by  himself,  his  son,  and  his  early  biographers 
generally.     Given  on  the  one  hand  that  the  earth  is 
round,  and  on  the  other  that  India  could  be  reached  by 
sailing  around  Africa,  as  the  Portuguese  believed  and 
finally  proved,  and  did  it  not  follow,  as  a  necessary  in- 
ference, that  India  might  be  reached  by  sailing  to  the 
west  ?     Of  course  he  had  no  conception  of  a  continent 
between  Europe  on  the  east  of  the  Atlantic  and  Asia 
on  the  west.     He  had  made  an  estimate  of  the  time 
required  for  the  sun  to  pass  from  east  to  west  over  the 
two  thousand  miles  of  he  Mediterranean  sea,  and  hence 
formed  some  conception  of  the  distance  around  the  earth 
over  which  the  sun  passed  in  twenty-four  hours.     In- 
fluenced by  the  views  of  Ptolemy,  Marinus  of  Tyre,  and 


Alf 

mu 

snic 

his 

of 

fin£ 

win 


V^ 


►  I" 


bri: 
Cal 


AMERICA  AND  BEHAIAPS  MAP. 


35 


7  small  ships  ? 
ere  made  were 
:h,  as  were  also 
>ewhere.  The 
e  would  have 
Genoese  adven- 

us  look  at  that 
ibus  from  court 

search  of  land 
iner  of  a  detec- 
lotives  his  own 
•y  was  no  mere 
e  ran  onto  the 
me  years  later. 
;d  upon  a  wide 
5S  correct ;  and 
;r  than  the  one 
fly  biographers 
lat  the  earth  is 
i  be  reached  by 
36  believed  and 

a  necessary  in- 
y  sailing  to  the 
1  of  a  continent 
lantic  and  Asia 
ite  of  the  time 
to  west  over  the 
1  sea,  and  hence 
iround  the  earth 
bur  hours.  In- 
lus  of  Tyre,  and 


Alfraganus  the  Arabian,  he  believed  the  earth  to  be 
much  smaller  than  it  is.  "  T/ic  ivorld  is  small^  much 
smaller  than  people  suppose^''  he  wrote  to  Isabella  ^1uring 
his  fourth  voyage.  Then  he  thought  the  eastern  coast 
of  Asia  to  be  about  where  the  Isthmus  of  Darien  was 
finally  discovered,  and  Cipango  or  Japan  to  be  about 
where  he  found  the  larger  West  India  Islands.     His 


HAJA 


'S 


...  O:;., 


70  ■■■■■- 


'Zf^i-^ 


}    .i' 


THE  ACTUAL   AMERICA   IN  RELATION  TO  BEH>:M'S   GEOGRAPHY. 

brilliant  conceptions  of  India,  then  called  Mangi  and 
Cathay,  and  of  Cipango,  were  derived  either  directly  or 


36 


HUMBOLDT'S  OPINION. 


indirectly  from  the  glowing  acconnts  of  Marco  Polo, 
whom  Humboldt  calls  "  the  greatest  traveller  of  any 
age,"  and  probably  also  from  Sir  John   Mandeville. 
These  writers  had  travelled  through  Eastern  Asia,  re- 
spectively, in  the  thirteenth  and  fourteenth  centuries. 
A  careful  study  of  their  writings  and  also  of  the  re- 
ports of  other  oriental  travellers,  and  not  the  manu- 
script accounts  of  the  tours  of  the  Vikings  or  Norsemen, 
were  the  guiding  star  of  Columbus  all  through  his  voy- 
ages of  discovery.     Hence  he  became  the  ready  victim 
of  many  a  false  and  absurd  notion  ;  and  the  reader  is 
frequently  amused  by  the  egregious  blunders  which  he 
was  constantly  making.     "  When  the  natives  of  Cuba 
pointed  to  the  interior  of  their  island  and  said  '  Cubani- 
can,'  Columbus  interpreted  it  to  mean  '  Kublai  Khan  ;' 
and  the  Cuban  name  of  '  Mangon  '  became  to  his  ear 
the  Mangi  of  Sir  John  Mandeville.^     Indeed,  nothing 
surprised  him  more  than  to  find  only  naked  savages 
where  he  had  expected  to  find  the  wealthy  and  luxu- 
rious nations  of  the  civilized  Orient.     Humboldt  has 
well  said,  "  If  Columbus  had  desired  to  seek  a  conti- 
nent of  which  he  had  obtained  information  in  Iceland, 
he  would  assuredly  not  have  directed  his  course  south- 
ward from  the  Canary  Islands." 

Had  not  Aristotle,  Seneca,  Pliny  and  Strabo  all 
spoken  of  land  to  be  found,  in  all  probability,  within 
moderate  sailing  distance  to  the  west?  What  land 
could  this  be  but  that  of  Polo  and  Mandeville  ?  There 
was,  besides  Columbus,  at  least  one  man  living  who 
believed  in  the  practicability  of  finding  India  in  the 
western  ocean.     Dr.  Paulo  Toscanelli,  of  Florence,  a 

» Justin  Winsor,  vol.  II,  p.  42,  Narrative  and  Critical  Hist.  Am. 


man 

subli 

thouj 

mono 

ment 

know 

about 

land 

estinj 

Polo  J 

he  al 

tance 

toldh 

princ< 

To 
in  rep 
ocean 
world 
a  lear 
of  Kii 

"T 
wishei 

"I] 
those 

in  anj 

letter, 

mine, 

wars  0 

his  H 

send  y 

will  sa 

this  : 


Marco  Polo, 
iveller  of  any 
1  Mandeville. 
item  Asia,  re- 
ith  centuries. 
Iso  of  the  re- 
ot  the  nianu- 
or  Norsemen, 
ongh  his  voy- 
;  ready  victim 

the  reader  is 
iders  which  he 
Ltives  of  Cuba 
said  '  Cubani- 
[ublai  Khan ;' 
me  to  his  ear 
ideed,  nothing 
laked  savages 
thy  and  luxu- 
rlumboldt  has 

>  seek  a  conti- 
on  in  Iceland, 
;  course  south- 

nd  Strabo  all 
ability,  within 

>  What  land 
;ville  ?  There 
m  living  who 
r  India  in  the 
of  Florence,  a 

cal  Hist.  Am. 


PAULO  TOSCANELLI. 


S7 


man  of  great  scientific  attainments,  especially  in  the 
sublime  field  of  astronomy,  was  so  moved  by  this  one 
thought  that  he  might  have  been  regarded  as  a  sort  of 
monomaniac  on  the  subject.  And  the  peculiar  senti- 
ments of  this  savant  must  have  been  more  or  less 
known,  for  Alphouso  IV.  ir,  said  to  have  consulted  him 
about  this  time  (1474)  as  to  a  western  passage  to  "  the 
land  where  the  spices  grow."  The  views  of  this  inter- 
esting man  betray  a  familiarity  with  the  works  of 
Polo  and  Mandeville  and  other  travellers,  perhaps  ;  and 
he  also  claims  to  have  derived  facts  of  great  impor- 
tance from  "  an  embassador  to  Pope  Eugenius  IV.,  who 
told  him  the  great  friendship  there  was  betwe-n  these 
princes,  their  people  and  Christians." 

To  him  Columbus  wrote  in  about  1474,  and  received, 
in  reply,  a  map  of  the  supposed  lands  in  the  western 
ocean,  in  their  relations  to  the  known  parts  of  the 
world ;  and  also  a  copy  of  a  letter  recently  written  to 
a  learned  ecclesiastic  of  Lisbon,  for  the  special  benefit 
of  King  Alphonso.     The  letter  was  as  follows: 

"To  Christopher  Columbus,  Paul  the  Physician 
wisheth  health.  • 

"  I  perceive  your  noble  and  earnest  desire  to  sail  to 
those  parts  where  the  spice  is  produced ;  and  therefore 
in  answer  to  a  letter  of  yours,  I  send  you  another 
letter,  which  some  days  since  I  wrote  to  a  friend  of 
mine,  and  servant  to  the  King  of  Portugal,  before  the 
wars  of  Castile,  in  answer  to  another  he  writ  to  me  by 
his  Highnesses  order,  upon  this  same  account,  and  I 
send  you  another  sea  chart  like  that  I  sent  him,  which 
will  satisfy  your  demands.  The  copy  of  that  letter  is 
this  : 


BaMMWIBIHWItrrillW— WMBttM 


3« 


TOSCANELLrs  MAP. 


I/) 

H 

X 

1/1 

< 


ft.  ■= 

<  2 

h)  a 

S5  " 


TOSCANELLrs  LETTER. 


39 


«  -s 

I/) 

(A  V 

<  S 

<  2 
h)  a 

5  E 


"To  Ferdinand  Martinez,  canon  of  Lisbon,  Paul  the 
Physician  wishes  health. 

"  I  am  very  glad  to  hear  of  the  familiarity  you  have 
with   your   most   serene   and    magnificent    King,  and 
though   I  have  very  often  discoursed  conceniing  the 
short  way  there  is  from  hence  to  the  Indies,  where  the 
spice  is  produced,  by  sea,  which    I    look   upon  to  be 
shorter  than  you  take  by  the  coast  of  Guinea,  yet  you 
now  tell  me  that  his  Highness  would  have  me  make 
out  and  demonstrate  it  so  as  it  may  be  understood  and 
put  in  practice.     Therefore,  tho'  I  could  better  show  it 
him  with  a  globe  in  my  liand,  and  make  him  sensible 
of  the  figure  of  the  world,  yet  I  have  resolved  to  render 
it  more  easy  and  intelligible  to  show  this  way  upon  a 
chart,  such  as  are  used  in  navigation,  and  therefore  I 
send  one  to  his  Majesty,  made  and  drawn  with  my  own 
hand,  wherein  is  set  down  the  utmost  bounds  of  the 
west  from  Iceland,  in  the  north,  to  the  furthest  part  of 
Guinea,  with  all  the  islands  that  lie  in  the  way ;  oppo- 
site to  which  western  coast  is  descried  the  beginning  of 
the  Indies,  with  the  islands  and  places  whither  you 
may  go,  and  how  far  you  may  bend  from  the  north 
pole  towards  the  equinoctial  and  for  how  long  a  time ; 
that  is,  how  many  leagues  you  may  sail  before  you 
come  to  those  places  most  fruitful  in  all  sorts  of  spice, 
jewels,  and  precious  stones.     Do  not  wonder  if  I  term' 
that  country  where  the  spice  grows  west,  that  product 
being  generally  ascribed  to  the  east,  because  those  who 
shall  sail  westward  will  always  find  those  places  in  the 
west,  and  they  that  travel  by  land  eastwards  will  ever 
find  those  places  in  the  east.     The  straight  lines  that  lie 
lengthways  in  the  chart  show  the  distance  there  is  from 


40 


rosCANEl.Lrs  LETTER. 


west  to  east,  the  other  cross  them  show  the  distance 
fntin  north  to  sonth.  I  have  also  marked  down  in  the 
said  chart  several  places  in  India  where  ships  mi^^ht 
pnt  in  npon  any  storm  or  contrary  winds  or  any  other 
accident  nnforeseen.  And,  moreover,  to  give  yon  fnll 
information  of  all  those  places  which  yon  are  very  de- 
sirons  to  know,  yon  ninst  nnderstand  that  none  hnt 
traders  live  or  reside  in  all  those  islands,  and  that  there 
is  there  as  great  a  nnniber  of  ships  and  seafaring  peo- 
ple with  merchandise  as  in  any  other  part  of  the  world, 
particnlarly  in  a  most  noble  part  called  Zacton,  where 
there  are  every  year  an  hundred  large  ships  of  pepper 
loaded  and  unloaded,  besides  many  other  ships  that 
take  in  other  spice.  This  country  is  mighty  populous, 
and  there  are  many  provinces  and  kingdoms  and  innu- 
merable cities  under  the  dominion  of  a  prince  called  the 
Great  Cham,  which  name  signifies  king  of  kings,  who 
for  the  most  part  resides  in  the  province  of  Cathay. 
His  predecessors  were  very  desirous  to  have  commerce 
and  be  in  amity  with  Christians,  and  200  years  since 
sent  embassadors  to  the  Popedesiringhim  to  send  them 
many  learned  men  and  doctors  to  teach  them  our  faith  ; 
but  by  reason  of  some  obstacles  the  embassadors  met 
with  they  returned  back  without  coming  to  Rome.  Be- 
sides, there  came  an  embassador  to  Pope  Eugenius  IV., 
who  told  him  the  great  friendship  there  was  between 
those  princes,  their  people,  and  Christians.  I  discoursed 
with  him  a  long  while  upon  the  several  matters  of  the 
grandeur  of  their  royal  structures  and  of  the  greatness, 
length,  and  breadth  of  their  rivers,  and  he  told  me  many 
wonderful  things  of  the  multitude  of  towns  and  cities 
founded  along  the  banks  of  the  rivers,  and  that  there 


TOSCANELLI'S  LETTER. 


41 


he  distance 
down  in  the 
ihips  niij^ht 
►r  any  other 
ive  yon  fnll 
are  very  de- 
it  none  bnl 
d  that  there 
a  fa  ring  peo- 
)f  the  world, 
cton,  where 
)S  of  pepper 
ships  that 
ty  popnlons, 
lis  and  innn- 
ce  called  the 
■  kings,  who 
;  of  Cathay, 
^e  commerce 
years  since 
:o  send  them 
m  our  faith ; 
ssadors  met 
Rome.  Be- 
igenius  IV., 
vas  between 
I  discoursed 
itters  of  the 
e  greatness, 
>ld  me  many 
is  and  cities 
d  that  there 


were  2CX5  cities  upon  one  only  river  with  marble  bridges 
over  it  of  a  great  length  and  breadth,  and  adorned  with 
abnndance  of  pillars.     This  country  deserves,  as  well 
as  any  other,  to  be  discovered  ;  and  there  may  not  only 
be  great  profit  made  there,  and   many  things  of  value 
fonnd,  bnt  also  gold,  silver,  all  .sorts  of  precions  stones, 
and  spices  in   abnndance,  which  are  not  bronght  into 
our  ports.     And  it  is  certain  that  many  wi.se  men,  phil- 
osophers, astrologers,  and  other  persons  skilled  in  all 
arts  and  very  ingenious,  govern  that  mighty  province 
and   command    their   armies.     From    Lisbon,  directly 
westward,  there    are   in    the   chart    26  spaces,  each  of 
which  contains   250  miles,  to  the  most  noble  and  vast 
city  of  Quisay,  which  is  100  miles  in  compass— that  is, 
35  leagues ;  in  it  there  are  10  marble  bridges.     The 
name  signifies   a   heavenly  city,  of  which    wonderful 
things  are  reported,  as  to  the  ingenuity  of  the  people, 
the  buildings,  and  revenues.     This  space  above  men- 
tioned   is    almost  a   third   part   of  the  globe.     This 
city  is  in  the  province  of  Mango,  bordering  on  that  of 
Cathay,  where   the    King   for  the   most  part  resides 
From   the   Island  Antilia,  which   you   call  the  seven 
cities,  and  whereof  you  have  some  knowledge,  to  the 
most  noble  island  of  Cipango,  are   10  spaces,  which 
make  2,500  miles,  or  225  leagues,  which  island  abounds 
in    gold,  pearis,  and   precious   stones ;  and   you  must 
understand  they  cover  their  templet   and  palaces  with 
plates  of  pure  gold.     So  that,  for  want  of  knowing  the 
way,  all  these  things  are  hidden  and  concealed,  and  yet 
may  be  gone  to  with  safety.     Much  more  might  be  said 
but  having  told  you  what  is  most  material,  and  you 
being  wise  and  judicious,  I  am  satisfied  there  is  nothing 


^<iiii<W«!»'Cd!jii^«s»H)tt!.riit%»ttia<l«t»---^ 


42 


VISION  OF  THE  ORIENT. 


of  it  but  what  you  understand,  and  therefore  I  will  not 
be  more  prolix.  Thus  much  may  serve  to  satisfy  your 
curiosity,  it  being  as  much  as  the  shortness  of  time  and 
my  business  would  permit  me  to  say.  So  I  remain 
most  ready  to  satisfy  and  serve  his  Highness  to  the 
utmost  in  all  the  commands  he  shall  lay  upon  me. 

"  FLORKNCE,y««^  ^5,  1474-^'' 

The  above  letter  was  soon  followed  by  another,  very 
similar  in  character.  It  is  a  literary  curi,osity,  without 
which  this  biography  would  scarcely  be  complete, 
since  it  is  a  most  important  link  in  the  chain  of  events 
and  discloses  the  magnificent  vision  which  allured  our 
hero.  And  while  there  is  no  evidence  that  Columbus 
borrowed  his  first  thought  of  a  westeni  route  from  the 
Florentine  doctor,^  that  savant  was,  without  doubt, 
much  in  advance  of  him,  in  the  detailed"  items  and 
elaborateness  of  his  conception.  His  imagination  had 
worked  much  more  minutely  on  this  splendid  picture 
of  the  Orient ;  using,  in  all  probability,  Marco  Polo's 
hi  jh  coloring,  as  well  as  the  exaggerated  statements  of 
travellers,  who  claimed  to  give  their  facts  and  figures 
from  recent  observation.  At  this  time,  when  the  new 
thought  dawning  on  the  mind  of  Columbus  would  be 
almost  enough  to  place  him  among  the  insane,  in  the 
estimation  of  his  fellows,  the  chart  sent  by  Toscanelli, 
planning  his  route  in  anticipation,  and  this  letter,  so 
positive  and  explicit  in  all  its  particulars,  must  have 
afforded  an  immense  impulse.     Imagine  him  poring 

>  Humboldt  believed  that  the  idea  of  reaching  the  east  by  sailing  wtst 
awoke  simultaneously  in  the  minds  of  Columbus  and  Toscanelli. 

Harrisse,  in  his  Notes  on  Columbus,  p.  85,  s-iys,  "  Navariete  exhibits 
documents  which  prove  that  Columbus  first  thought  of  his  idea  in  Portugal, 
in  1470,  three  years  before  he  ever  wrote  to  Toscanelli." 


miMiM- i.w'iii|in>f1m     -■*-- 


SENECA'S  MEDEA. 


43 


ore  I  will  not 
o  satisfy  your 
ss  of  time  and 
So  I  remain 
rhness  to  the 
upon  me. 

another,  very 
osity,  without 

be  complete, 
liain  of  events 
:h  allured  our 
lat  Columbus 
oute  from  the 
ithout  doubt, 
ed*  items  and 
agination  had 
lendid  picture 

Marco  Polo's 

statements  of 
ts  and  figures 
when  the  new 
ibus  would  be 
insane,  in  the 
by  Toscanelli, 

this  letter,  so 
irs,  must  have 
le  him  poring 

east  by  sailing  wtst 

)8canelli. 

'  Navarrete   exliibits 

his  idea  in  Portugal, 


over  them  in  the  still  hours  of  the  night.  Every  line 
in  the  chart  and  every  sentence  of  the  letter  would 
cause  the  fibres  and  tissues  of  nerve  and  brain  to 
vibrate  in  response. 

Then  he  may  have  turned  to  his  famous  Imago 
Miindi  by  Cardinal  D'Ailly,  and  reviewing  those 
references  to  the  learned  ancients,  from  Aristotle  to 
Roger  Bacon,  which  implied  the  sphericity  of  the  earth 
and  the  eastern  shores  of  Asia  not  far  to  the  westward 
of  Spain,  perhaps  wrote  one  of  his  Latin  notes  on  the 
margin.  Or  he  may  have  revelled  in  the  wonderful 
words  of  the  Medea  by  the  poet  Seneca, — 

"  Veniunt  annis  foecula  feris, 
Qiiibus  Oceanus  vincula  reruin 
Laxit,  et  ingens  pateat  tellus, 
Thetysque  novos  legal  orbes, 
Nee  sic  terris  Ultima  Thule,"— 

which  has  been  rendered,  "Times  will  come,  in 
distant  ages,  when  the  ocean  will  reveal  its  mysteries; 
an  immense  land  will  appear,  Thetys  will  uncover 
new  continents,  and  the  Shetlands  will  no  longer  be 
the  extremity  of  the  world." 

"  Which  poetical  effusion  so  greatly  pleased  Colum- 
bus," says  Harrisse,  "that  he  quoted  it  twice  in  full, 
not  to  speak  of  Fernando,  who  wrote  on  the  margin  of 
his  own  copy  of  Seneca :  '  This  prophecy  was  accom- 
plished by  my  father,  Christopher  Columbus,  in  the 
year  1492.' " 

"  Coming  events  cast  their  shadows  before."  While 
Columbus  was  evolving  his  great  scheme  of  a  western 
voyage,  not  a  few  heads  were  teeming  more  or  less 
vaguely  with  notions  of  land  in  that  direction .    Anton  10 


=**i'«!^iStf»(«i*A.n*««*»WM 


■aeiaanNiiwMWMiBwtwiwsM 


'isi^mmiaA'itmmtimme^^isttamiikitatmi- 


"Hr 


LAND  IN  THE   WEST. 


Leone,  of  Madeira,  told  him  that,  sailing  thither  one 
hundred  leagues,  he  had  descried  three  islands  in  the 
distance.  Some  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Canaries 
were  sure  that  they  had  seen,  at  different  times,  a  large 
island  in  the  western  ocean,  its  magnificent  landscape 
of  lofty  mountains  and  deep  valleys  looming  up  dis- 
tinctly above  the  wild  waste  of  waters.  Indeed  they 
had  even  applied  to  the  King  of  Portugal  for  permis- 
sion to  go  out  and  take  possession  of  it ;  but  having 
made  several  expeditions,  failed  to  find  land,  which 
still,  however,  rose  occasionally  on  their  vision. 

How  certain  sailors  to  the  far  west  had  picked  up 
from  the  waves  pieces  of  wood  carved  with  some  other 
implements  than  those  common  to  civilization ;  how 
reeds  of  immense  size,  so  that  "every  joint  would 
hold  above  four  quarts  of  wine,"  corresponding  to 
those  which  Ptolemy  said  grew  in  Ifidia,  had  floated  to 
the  shores  of  some  of  the  western  islands ;  how  the 
people  of  the  Azores  had  seen  among  the  debris 
thrown  up  by  the  waves  huge  trunks  of  pine  trees, 
such  as  did  not  grow  in  their  part  of  the  world ;  and 
how  there  had  floated  onto  the  shores  of  the  island, 
Flores,  two  drowned  men,  "  very  broad  faced  "  and  un- 
like those  of  any  known  country — all  these  rumors 
have  become  familiar  to  the  readers  of  biographies  of 
Columbus.  And  their  chief  significance  is  the  gen- 
eral state  of  mind  which  they  discover.  If  the  scholars 
of  the  closet  and  the  cloister  were  too  far  removed  from 
the  facts  of  nature  to  sympathize  with  the  great  con- 
ception of  Columbus,  at  least  a  few  of  the  common 
people  were  nearer  to  the  truth.  Their  eyes  were  out 
upon  the  ocean,  and  there  was  more  or  less  of  a  pre- 
sentiment of  land  about  to  be  found. 


THE  SOLITAIRE. 


45 


hither  one 
nds  in  the 
;  Canaries 
les,  a  large 
t  landscape 
ng  lip  dis- 
tideed  they 
for  permis- 
DUt  having 
md,  which 
iion, 

picked  up 
some  other 
Ltion ;  how 
oint  would 
ponding  to 
,d  floated  to 
J ;  how  the 
the  debris 
pine  trees, 
world ;  and 
the  island, 
d  "  and  un- 
ese  rumors 
igraphies  of 
is  the  gen- 
;he  scholars 
moved  from 
great  con- 
lie  common 
es  were  out 
5S  of  a  pre- 


But  Columbus  was  the  representative  of  this  im- 
portant idea.  Imagine  him  as  a  solitaire  on  the  lonely 
island  of  Porto  Santo,  seated,  perhaps,  on  some  "  rock 
beside  the  sea."  Probably  no  man  living  was  more 
familiar  with  the  scanty  geography  of  the  world,  then 
known  only  to  the  few.  Its  incomplete  chart  of  the 
wide  and  unknown  sea  could  be  called  up  to  memory 
and  the  imagination  at  any  moment.  He  seemed  to 
stand  on  the  shores  of  the  infinite ;  and  before  his  vis- 
ion there  arose,  in  the  distance,  realms  of  wealth  and 
beauty,  peopled  with  countless  numbers. 

Whether  the  initial  thought  was  all  his  own,  or 
whether  it  was  more  or  less  derived  from  some  one 
else,  he  was  at  least  able  to  receive  and  assimilate  great 
thoughts,  to  make  from  them  the  grandest  generaliza- 
tions, and,  wh   ■  was  greater  still,  had   the  singular 
courage  to  acl  ;.      x    their  resultant  of  truth.      The 
clever  recluse  .  .■  .^  in  his  easy-chair  might  specu- 
late upon  populous  countries  more  or  less  distant  in 
the  western  seas,  and  the  cosmographer  might  project 
them  upon  parchment,  and  the  poet  put  them  into  verse. 
This  would  require  a  mere  modicum  of  the  geographi- 
cal learning  of  the  time,  and  a  glint  of  imagination. 
But,  for  one  in  the  humble  ranks  of  poverty  and  toil, 
to  amass  the  learning  of  the  age,  co-ordinating  and 
utilizing  it  to  the  greatest  practical  end,  to  enlist  kings, 
to  procure  ships  and  crews  and  venture  into  the  terrors 
of  the  dark  and  unknown  seas,  and  sail  into  the  teeth 
of  mutiny  and  danger  inconceivable,  till  the  land  on 
the  other  side  of  the  globe  appeared,  will  ever  remain  a 
most  astounding  achievement.  * 


CHAPTER  III. 

COLUMBUS   AND   KING  JOHN   II. 

O  conceive  of  a  great  enterprise  as  possible  is 
one  thing,  bnt  to  project  the  best  plan  for 
bringing  it  to  pass  is  quite  another.  Some 
years  seem  to  have  rolled  by  before  Columbus  deter- 
mined how  to  undertake  his  scheme.  He  was  too  poor 
to  make  an  expedition  on  his  own  account,  as  the  sea- 
kings  from  the  north  seem  to  have  done  ;  and,  as  social 
orders  and  governments  then  existed,  the  enterprise 
was  too  great  for  any  but  crowned  heads  or  established 
nations.  He  comprehended  the  situation.  Tradition 
says  he  first  applied  to  the  Republic  of  Genoa  by  letter 
for  the  patronage  needed,  thus  giving  his  native  place 
the  first  preference.  However  this  may  have  been,  we 
know  he  applied  to  King  John  H.,  who  came  to  the 
throne  of  Portugal  in  1481,  in  his  twenty-fifth  year. 
This  monarch  was  the  worthy  successor  to  the  discov- 
eries of  Prince  Henry,  his  great-uncle  ;  and  with  his 
accession  the  grand  conception  of  reaching  India  by 
circumnavigating  Africa  received  a  new  impulse.  With 
a  true  spirit  of  enterprise,  he  built  a  fort  on  the  coast 
of  Guinea  to  protect  commerce  with  the  natives.  Thus 
far  the  African  enterprise  had  cost  more  than  it  had 
brought  in  return  ;  but  the  Portuguese,  as  also  Western 
Europe  in  general,  had  the  most  fabulous  notions  of  the 
wealth  and  resources  of  India.  Gold,  pearls,  precious 
stones,  spices,  and  the  finest  of  silken  fabrics  were 
among  its  wondrous  products.  When  the  channel  of 
this  trade,  now  struggling  slowly  across  the  Asiatic  con- 


tinei 

tofl( 

allt; 

K: 

ingi 

of  R 

the  ! 

thee 

Grar 

hom< 

inter 

king 

East, 

out  e 

the  s 

he  h£ 

omer 

the  1 

ticula 

The 

astro! 

appli( 

by  mi 

had  ii 

thus  : 

of  na^ 

'Had 
the  grea 
truly,  " 
igators, 
prehens 
into  unl 
the  com 
bus,  vol 


3  possible  is 
est  plan  for 
ther.  Some 
imbiis  deter- 
was  too  poor 
t,  as  the  sea- 
md,  as  social 
le  enterprise 
r  established 
.  Tradition 
noa  by  letter 
native  place 
ave  been,  we 
came  to  the 
;y-fifth  year, 
o  the  discov- 
md  with  his 
ng  India  by 
julse.  With 
on  the  coast 
tives.  Thus 
than  it  had 
also  Western 
lotions  of  the 
iris,  precious 
fabrics  were 
e  channel  of 
e  Asiatic  con- 


PRESTER  JOHN.  .- 

tinent  and  enriching  the  marls  of  Italy,  should  be  made 
to  flow  around  Africa  into  Portugal,  a  rich  reward  for 
all  the  expenses  of  exploration  would  be  realized. 

King  John  was,  no  doubt,  familiar  with  the  astound- 
ing reports  of  Polo  and  Mandeville,  as  also  with  those 
of  Rabbi  Benjamin,  the  Spanish  Jew,  who  had  visited 
the  scattered  tribes  of  Israel  in  Tartary,  and  those  of 
the  ecclesiastics  whom  Pope  Innocent  had  sent  out  to  the 
Grand  Khan,  according  to  his  own  request,  brought 
home  by  the  elder  Polo.     He  had  also  been  particularly 
interested  in  the  rumors  about  Prester  John,  a  Christian 
king,  believed  to  be  ruling  somewhere  in  the  remote 
East,  if  not  in  the  interior  of  Africa.     He  had  even  sent 
out  embassadors  in  search  of  the  latter.     Impatient  of 
the  slow  progress  along  the  coast  of  thje  dark  continent, 
he  had  called  a  select  council  of  the  most  learned  astron- 
omers and  cosmographers  in  his  kingdom,  including 
the  learned  Martin  Behaim,  to  ascertain  in  what  par- 
ticulars the  methods  of  navigation  might  be  improved. 
The  result  of  this  conference  was  a  better  use  of  the 
astrolabe,  an  instrument  similar  to  our  quadrant,  and 
applied  to  find  the  distance  of  the  sailor  from  the  equator 
by  means  of  the  altitude  of  the  sun.     If  Prince  Henry 
had  improved  the  use  of  the  compass,  King  John  had 
thus  rendered  a  similar  service  to  the  great  enterprises 
of  navigation.* 


Had  It  not  been  for  the  compass  and  the  astrolabe  thus  brought  into  use 
the  great  age  of  discovery  could  not  have  been  inaugurated.  Irving  says' 
truly,  "The  mariner  now,  instead  of  coasting  the  shores  like  the  ancient  nav- 
igators, and.  If  driven  from  the  land,  groping  hip  ^^y  back  in  doubt  and  ap- 
prehension  hy  the  uncertain  guidance  of  the  stars,  might  adventure  boldly 
into  unknown  seas,  confident  of  being  able  to  trace  his  course  by  means  of 
the  compass  and  the  a.trolabe."-i.>  and  Voyage,  of  Ckrislopker  Colum- 
ou$,  vol.  /,  p.  bo. 


"^''-"TuiMmwniiffiwnwiii.  .inmi>ii»MiiiiM»)Biii  ximii    ''" 


48 


JOHN  II.  AND  HIS  COUNCIL. 


This  ro3'al  personage,  above  all  others,  would  seem 
to  be  the  one  whom  Columbus  might  approach  in  be- 
half of  his  magnificent  proposal.  Being  of  a  liberal 
mind  and  in  sympathy  with  the  latest  scientific  views  of 
his  time,  he  saw,  at  a  glance,  the  immense  advantages 
promised  by  the  new  proposition.  But  it  was  so  novel, 
so  adventuresome,  that  it  would  not  be  well  to  encour- 
age it  without  the  advice  and  approval  of  his  wisest 
counsellors.  A  very  select  group,  perhaps  not  more 
than  three — Rodrigo  and  Joseph,  Jews,  and  Diego 
Ortez  de  Calzadilla,  bishop  of  Ceuta  and  confessor  to 
the  King — were  chosen  to  deliberate  and  advise  upon 
the  matter.  These  men,  all  noted  for  their  learning  in 
the  sciences  pertaining  to  nautical  affairs,  gave  their 
judgment  against  Columbus's  proposition,  as  being 
altogether  too  extravagant  and  impractical.  "  To  such 
men,"  says  Irving,  "  the  project  of  a  voyage  directly 
westward  into  the  midst  of  that  boundless  waste  to 
seek  some  visionary  land  appeared  as  extravagant  as 
it  would  be  at  the  present  day  to  launch  forth  in  a 
balloon  into  the  regions  of  space  in  quest  of  some 
distant  star." 

It  would  seem,  however,  that  the  principal  cause  of 
hesitancy  on  the  part  of  the  King  was  the  fact  stated 
by  Ferdinand  Columbus, — that  the  explorations  on 
the  west  coast  of  Africa,  which  occupied  nearly  half 
of  the  working  force  of  Portugal,  and  in  which  great 
numbers  had  died,  and  which  had  not  as  yet  brought 
in  very  flattering  returns,  would  not  admit  of  the  ad- 
ditional expense  and  risk  implied  in  the  plan  of  Co- 
lumbus. 

But  the  King  was  not  satisfied.     He  therefore  called 


i,„^-  -.■^;a-jVtfa^ig^aia,.,T.r>tj,-.'»TTO^iiMWi"aft"»;v" 


would  seem 
)roach  in   be- 

of  a  liberal 
itific  views  of 
i  advantages 
was  so  novel, 
11  to  encour- 
of  his  wisest 
ps  not  more 
,  and   Diego 

confessor  to 

advise  upon 
r  learning  in 
s,  gave  their 
on,  as  being 
L  "To  such 
'^age  directly 
ess  waste  to 
travagant  as 
h  forth  in  a 
test  of  some 

pal  cause  of 
le  fact  stated 
Dlorations  on 
1  nearly  half 
which  great 
yet  brought 
nit  of  the  ad- 
plan  of  Co- 

erefore  called 


\i^^ 


THE  SECOND  COUNCIL. 


49 


s.a,-ggi^»fa.-3Bi>rir^Bi-Jiw-ji^-nittj-i 


a  second  council,  much  larger  than  the  first,  to  con- 
sider   the   feasibility    of    the   undertaking.      But  its 
decision  was  similar  to  that  of  the  former.     The  dis- 
cussion   must    have    been    decidedly   enthusiastic,— 
almost   a    polite    and   good-natured    sparring.      The 
bishop  of  Ceuta,  whom  the  King  regarded  as  one  of 
his  chief  advisers,  not  only  discouraged  the  plan  of 
Columbus,  but  even  spoke  against  the  continuation  of 
the  African  enterprises,  as  tending  "  to  distract  the  at- 
tention, drain  the  resources,  and  divide  the  power  of 
the  nation,  already  too  much  weakened  by  recent  war 
and  pestilence.     While  their  forces  were  thus  scattered 
abroad  on  remote  and  unprofitable  expeditions,  they 
exposed  themselves  to  attack  from  their  active  enemy, 
the  King  of   Castile."     "  The  greatness  of  monarchs 
did  not  arise  so  much  from  the  extent  of  their  domin- 
ions as  from  the  wisdom  and  ability  with  which  they 
governed.     In  the  Portuguese  nation,  it  would  be  mad- 
ness to  launch  into  enterprises  without  first  consider- 
ing them  in  connection  with  its  means.     The  King 
had  already  enough  on  his  hands  in  Africa,  without 
taking  up  this  new  and  wild  scheme.      If  he  wished 
employment  for  the  active  valor  of  the  nation,  the  war 
in  which  he  was  engaged  against  the   Moors  of  Bar- 
bary  was  sufficient." 

To  this  conservative  advice  the  Count  of  Villa  Real 
made  a  most  spirited  reply :  "  Portugal  was  not  in  its 
infancy,  nor  were  its  princes  so  poor  as  to  lack  means 
to  engage  in  discoveries.  Even  granting  that  these 
proposed  by  Columbus  were  conjectural,  why  should 
they  abandon  those  begun  by  their  late  Prince  Henry? 
Portugal  was  at  peace  with  all  Europe.     It  would  be 


«K»»JlXr^tmtSmliiim0mtm^3i»/^<mi>-  ■ 


5" 


71IE  SECOND  COUNCIL, 


I-' 


her  greatest  glory  to  search  out  the  secrets  of  the  dark 
sea  of  which  other  nations  were  afraid.  Thus  em- 
ployed, she  would  escape  the  idleness  incident  to  a 
continued  peace — idleness,  that  source  of  vice,  that 
silent  file,  which,  little  by  little,  wore  away  the  strength 
and  valor  of  a  nation.  Great  souls  were  formed  for 
great  enterprises.  Why  should  one  so  religious  as 
the  bishop  of  Ceuta  oppose  this  undertaking?  Was 
not  its  final  object  to  spread  the  Catholic  faith  from 
pole  to  pole  ?" 

The  African  explorations  were  thus  sustained,  but 
the  cause  of  Columbus  was  too  uncertain  to  be  included 
in  this  appeal  by  the  Count,  smacking  so  perceptibly 
of  generous  enterprise. 

Evidently  these  advisers  saw  that  the  King  was  not 
even  yet  satisfied,  for  the  bishop  of  Ceuta  suggested 
as  a  quietus  that  i  re  should  be  a  clandestine  expedi- 
tion sent  to  the  west  under  the  instructions  furnished 
by  Columbus,  to  see  if  there  were  any  such  lands  as 
he  supposed. 

When  Columbus  was  now  called  upon  to  exhibit  his 
charts  again,  and  to  give  the  most  complete  and  explicit 
account  of  his  anticipated  voyage,  he  no  doubt  regarded 
it  as  much  in  his  favor.  Surely  the  King  and  his 
counsellors  were  now  being  converted  to  his  poposi- 
tion  !  But,  alas  !  contrary  to  his  usual  high  sense  of 
justice,  the  King  was  yielding  to  the  false  allurement 
of  Calzadilla.  A  ship  was  being  fitted  up,  ostensibly 
to  carry  provisions  to  the  Cape  Verde  Islands,  but 
really  to  make  a  trial  voyage  to  the  far  west.'     But 

•Fernando  Columbus  says:  "The  King,  by  the  advice  of  one  Doctor 
Calzadilla,  of  whom  he  made  great  account,  resolved  to  send  a  caravel  pri> 


•"i*.-  '    ■■  ..  '.*.w=ajiwg6i-«i*»i->  ■! 


of  the  dark 
Thus  em- 
cident  to  a 
f  vice,  that 
the  strength 
:  formed  for 
religious  as 


ing 


Was 


:  faith  from 

istaiiied,  but 

>  be  included 

perceptibly 

ing  was  not 
a  suggested 
tine  expedi- 
ns  furnished 
ch  lands  as 

3  exhibit  his 

and  explicit 

ubt  regarded 

ing  and  his 

his  poposi- 
[gh  sense  of 
;  allurement 
p,  ostensibly 
Islands,  but 

west.^     But 

:e  of  one  Doctor 
lend  a  caravel  pri> 


THE  SECOND  COUNCIL.  .j 

this  enterprise,  so  ill-founded,  lacked  the  conviction, 
the  conrage,  and  the  determination  necessary  to  so 
great  an  undertaking;  and  the  ship  soon  returned, 
with  no  results  except  that  the  sailors  were  thoroughly 
frightened  by  the  huge  waves  and  wild  waste  of  waters, 
which  stretched  out  like  an  infinite  expanse  in  all  direc- 
tions. One  might  as  well  expect  to  find  land  in  the 
sky,  they  said.  Most  heartily  did  they  laugh  at  such 
a  foolhardy  enterprise.  This,  of  course,  would  cover 
their  failure. 

When  Columbus  discovered  the  mean  advantage 
which  had  been  taken  of  him  he  shook  off  the  dust 
from  his  feet  against  Portugal.  On  the  strength  of 
Fernando's  History  it  has  generally  been  supposed  that 
his  wife  was  now  dead,  and  that  his  only  child,  his 
little  son  Diego,  was  his  solitary  companion,  as  empty- 
handed  he  looked  out  into  the  world  for  some  other  aid' 
to  bring  to  pass  his  grand  scheme. 

But  an  autograph  letter  of  his  now  in  the  possession 
of  the  Duke  of  Veraguas,  his  descendant  by  the  female 
line,  and  quoted  by  Navarrete,  tome  ii,  doc.  cxxxvii, 
says  that  when  leaving  Portugal  he  left  wife  and  chil- 
dren and  saw  them  no  more.  Thus  his  entire  family, 
except  Diego,  must  have  died  soon  after  he  left.  There 
would  seem  to  be  much  probability  in  the  conjecture  of 
Mr.  Fisk,  who  says  :  "  As  Las  Casas,  who  knew  Diego 
so  well,  also  supposed  his  mother  <o  have  died  before 
his  father  left  Portugal,  it  is  most  likely  that  she  died 
soon  afterwards.     Ferdinand  Columbus  says  that  Diego 

Tately  to  attempt  that  which  the  Admiral  had  proposed  to  him ;  because,  in 
case  those  countries  were  so  discovered,  he  thought  himself  not  obliged  to 
bestow  any  great  reward  which  might  be  demanded  on  account  of  the  dis- 
covery." 


'■^****»^  w^>'rtta|ti  iintrfTrt 


i^iMtfi>iW^i»irr  nmr    i.ii      ,  .^^ -^  ^ *l.lVi  |-mnr  i  f ,  miwt  ^(4 


52 


THE  SiiCOM)  COUNCIL. 


was  left  in  charge  of  some  friars  at  the  convent  of  La 
Rabida,  near  Palos ;  Las  Casas  is  not  quite  so  sure  ; 
he  thinks  that  Diego  was  left  with  some  friend  of  his 
father  at  Palos,  or  perhaps  at  La  Rabida.  These  mis- 
takes were  eas}'  to  make,  for  both  La  Rabida  and 
Huelva  were  close  by  Palos,  and  we  know  that  Diego's 
aunt,  Mnliar,  was  living  at  Huelva.  It  is  pretty  clear 
that  Columbus  never  visited  La  Rabida  before  the  au- 
tumn of  1491.  My  own  notion  is  that  Columbus  may 
have  left  his  wife  with  an  infant,  and  perhaps  an  older 
child,  relieving  her  of  the  care  of  Diego  by  taking  him 
to  his  aunt,  and  intending,  as  soon  as  practicable,  to  re- 
unite the  family.  He  clearly  did  not  know  at  the  out- 
set whether  he  should  stay  in  Spain  or  not." 

It  would  seem  that  he  left  Portugal  secretly,  and  a 
letter  from  King  John,  years  afterwards,  asking  him  to 
return,  and  promising  to  protect  him  from  any  civil  or 
criminal  process  pending  against  him,  may  justify  the 
statement  made  by  some  that  he  was  trammelled  by 
debt.  Having  been  so  deeply  immersed  in  his  studies 
and  speculations  about  land  in  the  west,  he  may  have 
suffered  his  financial  aflfairs  to  go  to  ruin. 

His  son  Fernando  says  that  "  about  the  end  of  the 
year  1484  the  Admiral  stole  away  privately  out  of  Por- 
tugal, with  his  son  James,  for  fear  of  being  stopped  by 
the  King ;  for  he,  being  sensible  how  faulty  they  were 
whom  he  had  sent  with  the  caravel,  had  a  mind  to  re- 
store the  Admiral  to  his  favor,  and  desired  he  should 
renew  the  discourse  of  his  enterprise  ;  but,  not  being  so 
diligent  to  put  this  in  execution  as  the  Admiral  was  in 
getting  away,  he  lost  that  good  opportunity." 


■«~aM»««o«SSWSB,- 


II vent  of  La 
ite  so  sure ; 
"riend  of  his 
These  mis- 
Rabida  and 
that  Diego's 
pretty  clear 
sfore  the  au- 
lunibus  may 
aps  an  older 
'  taking  him 
icable,  to  re- 
V  at  the  out- 


. »» 


retly,  and  a 
iking  him  to 
any  civil  or 
y  justify  the 
mmelled  by 
1  his  studies 
le  may  have 

e  end  of  the 
;  out  of  Por- 
j  stopped  by 
;y  they  were 
mind  to  re- 
i  he  should 
not  being  so 
tniral  was  in 
y." 


CHAPTER  IV. 


COLUMBUS   IN   SPAIN. 


|T  is  the  opinion  of  critics  generally  that  it  was 
not  later  than  1484  when  Columbus  left  Por- 
tugal, and  that  .some  time  during  148=;  or 
i486  he  first  appeared  before  the  court  of  Spain. 
Where  was  he  during  the  intervening  time  ?  Surely 
he  could  not  have  been  idle,  for  the  one  and  all-absorb- 
ing thought  of  his  life  pressed  heavily  upon  him,  and 
he  must  now  have  been  at  least  from  thirty-eight  to 
forty  years  old.  He  would  realize  the  importance  of 
economizing  his  time. 

It  is  generally  believed  that  he  went  to  Genoa  on 
leaving  Portugal,  and  that  he  now  applied  in  person  to 
the  republic  for  aid  to  carry  out  his  plan.     The  nation 
was  in  a  state  of  depression  at  the  time,  and  there  seems 
to  have  been  a  disposition  on  the  part  of  the  senate  to 
make  light  of  their  obscure  countryman.     "Who  is 
this   Christopher   Columbus  ?  "  some   one   asks.     "  A 
sailor  of   this   city,"   another    replies;    "the   son  of 
Domenico  Columbo,  a  wool-comber.     His  brothers  and 
sister  are  here  in  humble  circumstances."     With  the 
depression  of  the  little  republic,  the  obscurity  of  the 
applicant,  and  the  wildness  of  the  proposal,  what  after- 
ward proved  to  be  the  discovery  of  a  new  worid  re- 
ceived but  little  attention. 

Some  say  he  now  went  to  Venice  and  presented  his 


■.■(.s'ii-e--aa;**if 


we*»«a«wwwi«i9*  ■*.«»**.;  r,^.>«<w*?p''«*»«»««,i>_'^ 


54 


///.s  rinsr  Aprr.AHAxcR. 


plan,  hut  to  no  purpose.'  Of  this,  however,  there  is  no 
ofikial  record. 

At  this  same  time  he  is  said  to  liave  made  provision 
out  of  his  slender  purse  for  his  ajj^ed  father  and  for  the 
education  of  his  younger  brother,  the  family  now  hav- 
\\\f^  returned  to  (ienoa,  after  having  spent  some  years 
at  Savona.  Some  ill-fortune  would  seem  to  have  befal- 
len them,  to  have  made  them  thus  dependent.  Possi- 
bly Christopher  again  set  up  for  a  time  his  little  estab- 
lishment for  making  maps  and  globes  and  for  copying 
and  selling  books. 

It  has  ever  been  the  custom  to  follow  the  order  of 
Fernando  Columbus's  biography  of  his  father,  and  thus 
introduce  the  future  Admiral  into  Spain  by  means  of 
the  touching  incident  at  the  door  of  the  monastery.  La 
Rabida ;  but  ever  since  the  publication  of  Navarrete's 
famous  collection  of  documents  there  has  been  a  doubt 
as  to  the  priority  of  that  event,  in  relation  to  his  seven 
years  of  solicitati(m.  Finally,  Mr.  Fisk,  in  his  '*  Dis- 
covery of  America,"  has,  as  it  seems  to  ns,  arrived  at  a 
proper  co-ordination.  He  says  :  "The  error  of  Ferdi- 
nand Columbus,  a  very  easy  one  to  commit,  and  not  in 
the  least  damaging  to  his  general  character  as  biog- 
rapher, lay  in  confusing  his  father's  two  real  visits  (in 
1484  and  1 491)  to  Huelva  with  two  visits  (one  imagi- 
nary in  1484  and  one  real  in  1491)  to  La  Rabida,  which 
was  close  bj',  between  Huelva  and  Palos.  The  visits 
were  all  the  more  likely  to  get  mixed  up  in  recollection, 
because  in  each  case  their  object  was  little  Diego,  and 


'  It  is  but  just  to  sa_v  tliat  these  traditions  of  an  application  to  Genoa  and 
Venice  are  now  regarded  as  of  very  doubtful  authority,  and  yet  it  is  difTicult 
to  account  for  the  whereabouts  of  Columbus  at  this  time,  except  on  this  sup- 
position. 


I: 


,^BK«-;«W»i»9«|i»^Si«;to^ai*:®^i|S?£S'.-.  ■ 


:j«srt(i«ffe:*^***»iM*aii**«-i*^.^.; 


///.S   /'7/,'.v/'  .M'1'HAItAXCE. 


55 


r,  there  is  no 

Lcle  provision 
•  and  for  the 
ily  now  hav- 
t  some  years 

0  have  befal- 
lent.  Possi- 
■i  little  estab- 

1  for  copying 

the  order  of 
licr,  and  thns 
by  means  of 
onastery,  La 

Navarrete's 
been  a  donbt 

to  his  seven 
in  his  "  Dis- 
,  arrived  at  a 
ror  of  Ferdi- 
it,  and  not  in 
Lcter  as  biog- 
eal  visits  (in 

(one  imagi- 

.abida,  which 

The  visits 

recollection, 
e  Diego,  and 

ion  to  Genoa  and 
d  yet  it  is  difTicult 
xccpt  on  this  sup- 


in  each  case  he  was  left  in  charge  of  somebody  in  that 
neighborhood.     The  confnsion  has  been  Iiclped  by  an- 
other for  wliich  Ferdinand  is  not  responsible,  viz :  the 
friar  Jnan  Perez  has  been  confounded  with  another  friar, 
Antonio  de  Marchena,  who,  Columbus  says, was  the  only 
person  who  from  the  time  of  his  first  arrival  in  vSpain 
had  always  befriended  him  and  never  mocked  at  him. 
These  worthy  friars  twain  have  been  nuule  into  one  {(\ 
jr.,  '  the  prior  of  the  convent,  Juan  Perez  de  Marchena,' 
Irving's  Columbus,  vol.  I,  p.  128),  and  it  has  often  been 
supposed    that    Marchena's    acquaintance  began   with 
Columbus  at  La  Rabida  in    14S4,  and  that   Diego  was 
left  at  the  convent  at  that  time.     But  some  modern 
.sources  of  information  have  served  at  first  tobemuddle, 
and  then,  when  more  carefully  sifted,  to  clear  up  the 
story.     In  150S  Diego  Columbus  brought  suit  against 
the  Spanish  crown  to  vindicate  his  claim  to  certain  ter- 
ritories discovered  by  his  father,  and  there  was  a  long 
investigation,  in  which  many  witnesses  were  summoned 
and   past   events   were   busily  raked  over  the  coals. 
Among  the  witnesses  were  Rodriguez  Cabejudo  and  the 
physician  Garcia  Fernandez,  who  gave  from  personal 
recollection  a  very  lucid  account  of  the  aflfairs  at  La 
Rabida.     These  proceedings  are  printed  in  Navarrete, 
Coleccion  de  viages^  torn,  iii,  pp.  238-591 .     More  recently 
the  publication  of  the  great  book  of  Las  Casas  has  fur- 
nished some  very  significant  clues',  and  the  elaborate 
researches  of  M.  Harrisse  have  furnished  others.     (See 
Las  Casas,  lib.  i,  cap.  xxix,  xxxi ;  Harrisse,  torn,  i,  pp. 
341-372  ;  tom.  ii,  pp.  227-231  ;  cf.  Peragallo,  I'Autenti- 
cita,  &c.,  pp.  1 1 7-134.)     It  now  seems  clear  that  Mar- 
chena, whom  Columbus  knew  from  his  first  arrival  in 


.■A»wft/  »ia>4n  gatiMy*/ 


m 


I 


1^, 


56 


A'r  GRA.VADA. 


Spain,  was  not  associated  with  La  Rabida.  At  that 
time  Columbus  left  Diego,  a  mere  infant,  with  his  wife's 
sister  at  Huelva.  Seven  years  later,  intending  to  leave 
Spain  forever,  he  went  to  Huelva  and  took  Diego,  then 
a  small  boy.  On  his  way  from  Huelva  to  the  Seville 
roid,  and  thence  to  Cordova  (where  he  would  have  been 
joined  by  Beatrix  and  Ferdinand),  he  happened  to  pass 
hy  La  Rabida,  where  up  to  that  time  he  was  evidently 
unknown,  and  to  attract  the  attention  of  the  prior  Juan 
Perez,  and  the  wheel  of  fortune  suddenly  and  unexpec- 
tedly turned.  As  Columbus's  next  start  was  not  for 
France,  but  for  Granada,  his  boy  was  left  in  charge  of 
two  trustworthy  persons." 

Falling  back  upon  authenticated  facts,  he  appears 
at  Cordova  in  i486,  where  the  court  of  the  sovereigns 
was  then  held. 

To  get  into  the  royal  presence  on  so  strange  an  errand 
would  not  have  been  easy  at  any  time,  but  the  present 
was  singularl}^  unfavorable.  The  nionarchs  were  just 
in  the  midst  of  the  greatest  home  enterprise  under- 
taken during  their  entire  reigfii — the  conquest  of  the 
Moors.  For  many  hundred  years  these  interlopers  had 
been  a  thorn  in  the  sides  of  the  rulers  of  Spain.  A  brave, 
intelligent,  active  and  enterprising  people,  they  had 
built  up  an  immense  civilization  throughout  the  south- 
em  part  of  the  peninsula.  Granada,  entrenched  in  the 
mountains  of  Sierra  Nevada,  was  their  capital ;  and 
Malaga  was  their  seaport.  To  drive  the  infidels  out 
of  Spain  was  the  desideratum  alike  of  church  and 
state.  The  united  kingdoms  of  Ferdinand  and  Isa- 
bella, therefore,  were  vying  with  each  other  in  the  stem 
battle,  as  the  Moors  contested  every  inch  of  ground 


2'' 


"■'»<i«<ii«ai8«S!?^wi«»!i»»»«'s»«««»»a»««wa^^ 


»<iSto3»i«<*i><M»;;t«sJaBiK*\i . 


)ida.  At  that 
with  his  wife's 
niding  to  leave 
3k  Diego,  then 

to  the  Seville 
3uld  have  been 
ppeued  to  pass 

was  evidently 
the  prior  Juan 
J  and  iinexpec- 
irt  was  not  for 
ft  in  charge  of 

ts,  he  appears 
the  sovereigns 

ange  an  errand 
nt  the  present 
rchs  were  just 
erprise  under- 
Duquest  of  the 
nterlopers  had 
pain.  A  brave, 
Dple,  they  had 
tout  the  south - 
renched  in  the 
capital ;  and 
le  infidels  out 
f  church  and 
land  and  Isa- 
ler  in  the  stem 
ich  of  ground 


ALONZO  DE  ^UINTANILLA.  -- 

in  the  most  heroic  manner.  The  grand  dukes  and  no- 
bles were  m  full  force,  like  so  many  lesser  armies  com- 
bined ;  and  the  magnificence  of  martial  and  armorial 
display  was  not  to  be  surpassed  by  anything  of  the 
age.  Scarcely  less  imposing  was  the  crowd  of  ecclesi- 
astics, who  were  also  in  the  field  to  give  counsel  and 
aid  m  this  holy  war.  The  King  and  Queen,  with  all 
the  court,  moved  along  with  the  encampment. 

Such  was  the  absorption  of  the  royal  and  the  public 
mind  when  Columbus  somehow  made  his  appearance 
before  Fernando  de  Talavera,  a  high  dignitary  of  the 
church,  who  was  now  confessor  to  the   Queen      This 
introduction  was  unfortunate,  for  Talavera  was  not  the 
kind  of  man  to  sympathize  with  the  views  of  Colum- 
bus.     If  there  were  anything  in  this  new  adventure  in 
cosmography  and  navigation,  it  seemed  strange  to  him 
that  the  wise  heads  of  the  past  had  not  discovered  it 
Men  had  not  yet  found  out  that  "  the  world  ?noves  " 
He    deemed  the    proposition    wholly    unworthy   the 
attention   of   the  monarchs  in  the    present  crisis  of 
national  affairs.     But  Alonzo  de  Quintanilla,  controller 
of  the  treasury  of  Castile,  to  whom  Columbus  had 
been  assigned  as  a  guest,  was  a  person  of  progressive 
thought,  and  "  delighted  in  great  undertakings."     Be- 
coming a  thorough   convert  to  the  new  scheme    he 
gradually  introduced  this  man  of  strange  dreams  to 
persons  of   influence   about  the   c6urt ;    first  to  the 
brothers  Geraldini,  one  a  nuncio  from  the  Pope,  the 
other  a  learued  instructor  in  the  royal  household  •  then 
to  the  Grand  Cardinal  de  Mendoza,  the  most  influen- 
tial subject  in  the  two  kingdoms,  and  sometimes  called 
'•  the  third  King  of  Spain."     Thus,  after  a  detention  of 


I 


I 


i' 


^8  COLUMBUS  BEFORE  THE  MONARCHS. 

about  a  year,  this  powerful  personage  in  the  royal 
councils  succeeded  in  gaining  attention.  Like  an  im- 
mense revelation  must  the  grand  conception  of  Co- 
lumbus have  burst  upon  the  imagination  of  the  King  and 
Queen.  How  far  beyond  anything  which  Portugal  had 
achieved  would  be  its  vast  results.  Tlie  fabulous  wealth 
of  the  Indies — the  desideratum  of  the  nations — would 
thus  come  directly  across  the  ocean  sea  into  Spain,  in- 
stead of  struggling  overland  into  Italy,  or  sailing  around 
Africa  into  Portugal.  But  was  this  vast  enterprise 
feasible  ?  Might  they  safely  undertake  it  ?  *  It  seemed 
too  great — this  vision  of  the  Orient — to  be  practicable. 
They  would  at  least  move  cautiously.  Talavera  was 
therefore  instructed  to  call  a  council  of  the  most 
learned  and  scientific  men  in  the  two  kingdoms,  at 
Salamanca,  the  chief  seat  of  learning  in  Spain.'" 
Whether  great  in  number  or  not,  it  must  have  been  an 
august  assembly,  consisting,  for  the  most  part,  of 
ecclesiastics  versed  in  astronomy,  geography,  mathe- 
matics, and  sciences  connected  with  navigation. 

How  will  this  man  of  the  sea  appear  before  such  an 
array  of  learning  and  wisdom  ?  Will  he  be  equal  to 
the  occasion  in  presenting  his  vast  and  unheard-of 
idea  ?  Aye,  this  tall  figure,  in  plain — possibly  thread- 
bare—apparel, is  majestic  and  impressive.  His  argu- 
ments, thoroughly  thought  out  and  well  arranged,  are 
from  the  most  authentic  resources  in  science  and  litera- 


'  "Indeed,  when  it  is  considered  that  the  most  pressing  internal  affairs  of 
kingdoms  are  neglected  by  the  wisest  rulers  in  times  of  war,  it  is  wonderful 
that  he  succeeded  in  obtaining  iiny  audience  at  all."— //c//5.  Col.,  f.  6j. 

'This  junta  met  in  the  convent  of  St.  Stephen.  There  is  no  evidence 
that  the  University  of  Salamanca  bore  any  official  or  responsible  part  in 
these  deliberations. 


Gb.VM^^^-^^^^i^-*^1 


\Rcns. 

in  the  royal 
Like  an  im- 
jtion  of  Co- 
the  King  and 
Portugal  had 
ulous  wealth 
:ions — would 
to  Spain,  in- 
liling  around 
;t  enterprise 
?  *  It  seemed 
:  practicable, 
'alavera  was 
of  the  most 
kingdoms,  at 
r  in  Spain. '^ 
have  been  an 
lost  part,  of 
aphy,  mathe- 
a;-ation. 

fore  such  an 
i  be  equal  to 
i  unheard-of 
jsibly  thread- 
:.  His  argu- 
arranged,  are 
ce  and  litera- 

internal  affairg  of 
ar,  it  is  wonderful 
i.  Col.,  p.  dj. 
re  is  no  evidence 
^sponsible  part  in 


T//B  COUNCIL  AT  SALAMANCA. 


59 


ture,  well  sandwiched  with  incidents  and  facts.  If  not 
so  ready  to  give  away  all  the  plans  of  his  route  as  he 
had  been  in  Portugal,  he  is  self-possessed  and  elocue  it. 
Maps,  charts,  and  books  are  all  at  his  command.  Tnis 
is  no  mere  visionary  conception,  but  a  mo^t  direct  and 
conclusive  line  of  deductive  reasoning,  which,  in  more 
modern  times,  would  be  pronounced  scientific. 

The  more  liberal  members  of  the  council,  the  win- 
dows of  whose  souls  have  been  open  to  the  light,  are 
deeply  moved,  and  receive  impressions  which  will  soon 
mature  into  conviction ;  but  the  majority,  Talavera 
among  the  rest,  feel  no  force  of  argument,  but  only  a 
severe  shock  of  deep-seated  prejudices.  Time-honored 
notions,  writings  of  the  church  fathers,  and  the  scrip- 
tures are  all  made  to  do  duty  in  opposition. 

Let  us  be  auditors  for  a  few  minutes  in  this  assem- 
bly—possibly mere  committee-room— of  four  hundred 
years  ago,  and  catch  at  least  the  echo  of  a  few  of  their 
leading  objections  to  Columbus's  idea.  Here,  for  in- 
stance, comes  a  famous  quotation  from  Lactantius,  one 
of  the  early  fathers  in  the  Latin  church.  It  is  con- 
cerning this  absurd  doctrine  of  the  sphericity  of  the 
earth.  "  Is  there  any  one  so  foolish,"  he  asks,  *'  as  to 
believe  that  there  are  antipodes,  with  their  feet  oppo- 
site to  ours;— people  who  walk  with  their  heels  up- 
wards and  their  heads  hanging  down— where  everything 
is  topsy-turvey,  where  the  trees  grow' with  their  branches 
downwards,  and  where  it  rains,  hails,  and  snows  up- 
wards ?  " 

Then  the  shade  of  St.  Augustine,  another  of  the 
church  fathers,  is  made  to  appear  on  the  stand  and  tes- 
tify against  this  preposterous  notion  that  the  earth  is 


6o 


THE  COUNCIL  AT  SALAMANCA. 


round  and  that  there  are  antipodes.  '*  It  is  contrary  to 
the  scriptures,''  he  says,  "  for  they  teach  that  all  men 
are  descended  from  Adam,  which  would  be  impossible 
if  men  lived  on  the  other  side  of  the  earth,  for  they 
could  never  have  crossed  the  wide  sea." 

And  do  not  the  scriptures  imply  that  the  earth  is 
flat  ?  Do  they  not  speak  of  the  foundation  thereof,  and 
of  the  heavens  stretched  out  like  a  curtain  or  tent  on 
the  earth  ?  This  man  of  strange  notions,  in  the  presence 
of  ecclesiastics,  let  him  beware  lest  he  smell  of  here.sy 
and  be  made  to  feel  the  fangs  and  fires  of  the  newly- 
established  inquisition  !  ^ 

Then  turning  the  views  of  Columbus  against  himself 
they  said  he  never  could  pass  the  torrid  zone,  for  its 
heat  is  insupportable ;  that  the  distance  around  the 
earth  is  so  great  that  it  would  require  three  years  to 
make  the  tour,  and  no  ship  could  be  stocked  with  pro- 
visions and  water  for  so  long  a  time ;  that  if  one  should 
go  directly  across  the  ocean  to  India  the  rotundity  of 
the  earth  would  present  an  impassable  mountain  to  the 
return  voyage,  over  which  no  wind  could  propel  the 
ship. 

To  every  one  of  these  objections,  as  well  as  to  the 
many  others  we  cannot  mention  here,  Columbus  made 
a  rational  and  adequate  reply,  such  as  would  be  re- 

'  "  Perhaps  we  should  have  had  the  spectacle  of  Christopher  Columbus 
before  the  terrible  Torquemada  if  Mgr.  Alessandro  Geraldini,  of  Aumlia  in 
Perugia,  a  man  of  learning  and  piety,  but  reasonable  and  prudent,  who  was 
present  at  these  sittings,  had  not  overheard  their  menacing  expressions 
against  Columbus,  and,  seeing  the  danger  he  was  in  from  their  blind  fanati- 
cism, run  to  report  to  the  great  cardinal  the  condition  of  things,  arid  by  in- 
terposing that  great  man's  authority  persuaded  those  over-zealous  persons 
that  though  St.  Augustine  was  a  wonderful  saint  and  doctor,  still  he  had  never 
been  made  authority  in  geography  and  cosmography." — Tarducci,  in  his  Co- 
lumbus, ffives  Ike  above  as  related  by  Geraldini  himself. 


I: 


CA. 

s  contrary  to 
that  all  men 
e  impossible 
rtli,  for  they 

the  earth  is 
L  thereof,  and 
in  or  tent  on 
I  the  presence 
ell  of  heresy 
)f  the  newly- 

ainst  himself 
zone,  for  its 
:  around  the 
tiree  years  to 
ced  with  pro- 
if  one  should 
rotundity  of 
untain  to  the 
d  propel  the 

ell  as  to  the 
umbus  made 
/ould  be  re- 

itopher  Columbus 
dini,  of  Aumlia  in 
prudent,  who  was 
ncing  expressions 
their  blind  fanati- 
things,  arid  by  in- 
;r-zealou8  persons 
,  stilt  he  had  never 
arducci,  in  kis  Co- 


I  HE  DE  CIS  10^  A  GA  INST  COL  UMB  US.       61 

garded  incontestable  at  the  present  time ;  but  these 
great  dignitaries  could  not  easily  unlearn  their  old  no- 
tions; so  the  majority  voiced  the  report,  tliat  this  new 
project  was  "  vain  and  impossible,  and  that  it  did  not  be- 
long to  the  majesty  of  such  great  princes  to  determine 
anything  upon  such  zveak grounds  of  information:'  This 
council  is  supposed  to  have  been  held  in  the  winter  of 
i486-'87.» 

The  opposers  of  Columbus  no  doubt  regarded  this 
decision  as  a  death-blow  to  his  proposition  ;  but,  in  fact, 
the  mere  discussion  of  such  a  theme  was  a  great  move 
forward.  The  leaven  of  the  new  idea,  with  its  argu- 
ments so  well  presented,  had  been  thoroughly  worked 
into  positive  and  leading  minds.  Time  alone  would 
be  needed  to  assimilate  the  determining  forces  of  the 
nation.  Nor  should  we  conceive  of  the  years  of  pa- 
tient waiting  which  followed  as  wholly  without  en- 
couragement. The  parties  above  mentioned  as  help- 
ing Columbus  to  come  before  the  King  and  Queen,  and 
also  other  persons  of  influence,  came  more  and  more 
fully  into  sympathy  with  his  views.'     Columbus  still 

1  "Ferdinand  and  Isabella  seem  not  to  have  taken  the  extremely  unfavor 
able  view  of  the  matter  entertained  by  the  junta  of  cosmographers,  or  at 
least  to  have  been  willing  to  dismiss  Columbus  gently,  for  thev  n.erely  said 
that,  with  the  wars  at  present  on  their  hands,  and  especially  tha't  of  Granada 
they  could  not  undertake  any  new  enterprises,  but  when  that  war  was  ended 
they  would  examine  his  plan  more  carefully."— //«//.,,  Col.,  p.  67. 

»  "  One  of  these  was  father  Diego  Deza",  young  in  years',  but  already  the 
highest  professor  in  theology,  and  preceptor  to  the  Infanta,  heiress  to  the 
throne,  and  who  afterwards,  step  by  step,  rose  to  be  archbishop  of  Toledo 
primate  of  all  Spain.  He  entered  at  once,  in  the  first  session,  into  the  reason- 
ing of  Columbus,  and  not  only  listened  with  attention,  but  took  up  his  cause 
and  with  the  help  of  the  other  friars  labored  earnestly  to  calm  the  noisiesi 
of  his  colleagues,  and  to  persuade  them  that  propriety  and  justice  demanded 
that  they  should  listen  to  the  reasoning  with  serious  attention. "-rarrf«cci'i 
Columbus,  p.  9j, 


62 


THE  IIOL  r  SEPUL  CHIiE. 


i 


bad  the  honor  of  being  the  guest  of  Alonzo  de  Quin- 
tanilla,  and  the  royal  treasury  made  occasional  appro- 
priations for  him.  Moreover,  the  sovereigns  promised 
to  give  him  another  hearing  as  soon  as  the  pressing 
claims  of  the  war  were  over.  Meanwhile,  in  one  way 
or  another,  he  rendered  such  aid  as  he  could  in  the 
various  campaigns. 

Nor  were  his  thoughts  concerning  his  great  project 
inactive,  for  we  now  find  him  adding  an  immense  and 
wholly  new  conception  to  his  scheme  for  the  future ; 
one  which  he  was  destined  never  to  realize,  but  which 
was  to  have  such  great  influence  in  determining  his 
purposes  and  movements  ever  afterwards  that  the 
student  of  his  biography  cannot  aflford  to  lose  sight  of 
it  for  a  single  moment. 

Who  are  those  two  strange  looking  travellers  just 
now  entering  the  camp?  They  are  friars  from  the 
convent  of  the  Holy  Sepulchre  at  Jerusalem.  Why 
are  they  so  pressing  to  see  the  King  and  Queen  ? 
They  bring  serious  tidings  from  the  Sultan  of  Egypt, 
who  has  already  begun  to  retaliate  the  Spanish  war 
against  the  Moors.  He  threatens,  further,  to  kill  all 
the  Christians  in  his  dominions,  to  demolish  all  their 
churches  and  convents,  and  even  the  Holy  Sepulchre 
itself,  if  the  war  is  not  relinquished. 

The  sovereigns  were  not  intimidated  by  these  threats, 
but,  in  all  probability,  pushed  siege  and  battle  more 
vigorously.  But  the  leaders  in  the  army  are  stirred 
with  the  spirit  of  the  crusades  as  the  threats  of  the 
Sultan  become  the  talk  about  the  camp-fires ;  and  Co- 
lumbus resolves  to  turn  to  account  the  fabulous  wealth 
of  the  Orient,  which   he  expects  soon   to  appropriate 


...  •-•ism-ifi^ 


THE  CAPE  OF  GOOD  HOPE, 


63 


zo  de  Quin- 
sional  appro- 
jiis  promised 
the  pressing 
;,  in  one  way 
:onld  in  the 

great  project 
mmense  and 
r  the  future ; 
e,  but  which 
erniining  his 
■ds  that  the 
lose  sight  of 

avellers  just 
irs  from  the 
alem.  Why 
and  Queen  ? 
m  of  Egypt, 
Spanish  war 
r,  to  kill  all 
•lish  all  their 
ly  Sepulchre 

these  threats, 
[  battle  more 
y  are  stirred 
treats  of  the 
res ;  and  Co- 
)ulous  wealth 
D  appropriate 


He  will  raise  an  immense  army,  and  recover  the  tomb 
of  Christ  from  the  infidel.  From  now  till  death  this 
determination  is  held  with  a  firmness  of  grasp  that 
does  not  yield  or  hesitate  for  a  moment.  In  his  last 
will  and  testament  it  is  a  main  feature. 

The  last  week  in  December,  1487,  Diaz  returned  to 
Lisbon  from  that  memorable  voyage  in  which  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope  was  discovered.     How  intensely  must  that 
event  have  interested  Christopher  Columbus.     Africa 
was  surely  a  continent !  and  Prince  Henry's  concep- 
tion of  reaching  the  wealth  of  India  by  that  route 
would  soon  be  realized.     This  was  indeed  fuel  to  that 
flame  which  had  been  so  long  burning  in  Columbus's 
heart.     Oh,  for  the  shorter  route  by  way  of  the  west ! 
When  would  it  be  possible  for  him  to  demonstrate  it  ? 
But  another  item  of  intense  interest  connected  with 
this  voyage    is  the  fact  that  the  Admiral's  brother 
Bartholomew  was  a  companion  of  Diaz  in  the  impor- 
tant  discovery.      This   is   proven   by  a  note  in   the 
Adelantado's  own  hand,  on  the  margin  of  the  Admi- 
ral's famous  copy  of  the  Imago  Mundi,  as  identified 
by  Las  Casas,  who  was  intimately  acquainted  with  him 
and  with  his  chirography.      We   are  not   surprised, 
therefore,  to  find  that  the  Admiral  at  once  arranged 
for  a  trip  to  Lisbon.     On  the  20th  of  March,  1488, 
King  John  II.  granted  him  a  safe  conduct,  promising 
him  immunity  from  any  arrest;  but -it  was  not  until 
the  fall  of  that  year  that  he  availed  himself  of  it. 
About  the  middle  of  August,  1488,  occurred  the  birth 
of  his  second  son,  Fernando.     It  is  but  natural  that 
this  anticipated  event  should  have  detained  him.*     It 

'During  the  Admiral's  long  detention  about  the  courTTTcordova  he  had 


6.1 


THE  DUKES  OF  MEDINA. 


!ii 


Ik 


was  probably  during  this  interview  with  Bartholomew 
that  he  arranged  to  send  him  to  England  to  appeal  to 
Henr}'  VII.  in  behalf  of  his  plan. 

In  Ma}^  1489,  Columbus  appears  again  in  Cordova. 
During  the  siege  of  Beza,  which  now  occurred  near 
the  close  of  the  Moorish  war,  Zfifliga  says  he  "  took 
a  glorious  part,  giving  proof  of  the  great  valor  which 
accompanied  his  wisdom  and  profound  conceptions." 
Being  discouraged  by  the  slow  progress  of  his  cause  at 
court,  about  Christmas  of  this  same  year  he  applied  to 
the  Duke  of  Medina  Sidonia,  one  of  the  most  wealthy 
and  influential  subjects  in  the  realm,  for  aid,  but  to  no 
effect.  The  appeal  to  the  Duke  of  Medina  Celi,  which 
then  followed,  was  more  telling,  for  this  noble  person- 
age entertained  him  at  his  castle  for  two  years,  and 

formed  an  attachment  to  Beatrix  Enriquez,  a  lady  of  noble  family,  but,  as  in 
the  case  of  Filipa  Perestrello,  without  fortune.  That  this  connection  was 
not  sanctioned  by  marriage  is  implied  by  the  entire  absence  of  any  record  to 
that  effect,  and  is  explicitly  stated  by  Las  Casas,  and  may  be  inferred  from  Co- 
lumbus's will,  which  reads :  '•  I  say  and  direct  to  Don  Diego,  my  son,  or  to 
whosoever  shall  inherit,  that  he  shall  pay  all  the  debts  which  I  leave  here  in  a 
memorial,  in  the  form  therein  specified,  and  all  the  others  which  justly  seem 
to  be  owed  by  me.  And  I  direct  him  that  he  shall  have  special  care  for  Beatrix 
Enriquez,  the  mother  of  Don  Fernando,  my  son,  that  he  shall  provide  for 
lier  so  that  she  may  live  comfortably,  like  a  person  should  for  whom  1  have 
so  much  regard.  And  this  shall  be  done  for  the  ease  of  my  conscience, 
because  this  has  weighed  heavily  on  my  soul.  The  reason  therefor  it  is  not 
proper  to  mention  here." 

In  the  exaltation  of  Columbus  as  Viceroy  this  lady  never  appears  as 
Vicequeen,  nor  does  her  son,  Fernando,  make  any  mention  of  her,  though 
he  particularly  notices  his  father's  marriage  to  the  mother  of  Diego. 

"  This  fact,"  says  Tarducci,  "is  certa  nly  a  most  unpleasant  disturbance 
of  the  harmony  of  the  blameless  life  of  Christopher  Columbus.  But  who- 
ever remembers  the  unbridled  license  of  the  times  in  matters  of  morals,  and 
the  shamelessness  of  the  example  set  by  every  class  and  condition  of  persons, 
especially  by  those  most  conspicuous  by  rank  and  dignity,  will  not  raise  too 
much  scandal  if  even  a  virtuous  and  religious  man  was  for  a  time  defiled  with 
that  pitch." 


Th 


IS. 


Bartholomew 
to  appeal  to 

in  Cordova. 
:curred  near 
is  he  "  took 

valor  which 
onceptions." 
'  his  cause  at 
lie  applied  to 
Host  wealthy 
.id,  but  to  no 
1  Celi,  which 
loble  person- 

0  years,  and 

family,  but,  as  in 
18  connection  was 
5  of  any  record  to 
inferred  from  Co- 
go,  my  son,  or  to 
h  I  leave  here  in  a 
which  justly  seem 
al  care  for  Beatrix 

shall   provide  for 

1  for  whom  I  have 
of  my  conscience, 

therefor  it  is  not 

never  appears  as 
)n  of  her,  though 
of  Diego, 
asant  disturbance 
imbus.  But  who- 
;rs  of  morals,  and 
idition  of  persons, 
will  not  raise  too 
a  time  defiled  with 


ZA  RABIDA. 


65 


even  contemplated  fitting  out  the  caravels  and  the  men 
necessary  for  his  voyage.  But  how  would  so  bold  and 
important  an  adventure,  on  the  part  of  one  of  those 
feudal  lords  whom  the  sovereigns  had  aimed  so  strenu- 
ously to  check,  be  received  by  them  ?  He  would  con- 
sult the  Queen  about  the  matter,  and  thus  give  her 
another  occasion  to  consider  the  enterprise  herself.  If 
she  would  undertake  it  he  would  join  her.  Her  reply 
was  uncertain.  But  if  she  should  assume  the  enter- 
prise, she  would  be  glad  of  his  co-operation.  This 
virtual  promise  was  forgotten  in  after  years. 

In  the  gloomy  days  of  autumn,  in  1491,  sickened  at 
heart  from  hope  long  deferred,  Columbus  set  out  for 
Huelva.  He  would  get  his  son  Diego,  take  him  to  his 
other  son  and  his  mother,  and  find  a  home  for  them,  per- 
haps in  France  or  in  England.  Moreover,  he  would 
try  to  find  out  something  as  to  the  outcome  of  his 
brother's  trip  to  the  latter  realm. 

It  was  during  this  journey  from  Huelva  to  Palos 
that  Columbus  first  called  at  the  convent  of  La  Rabida. 
This,  as  we  have  seen,  is  made  clear  by  the  testimony 
of  Diego's  lawsuit  with  the  Crown,  which  Navarrete 
has  so  carefully  collated. 

The  poetic  imagination  will  never  cease  to  paint 
the  scene.  This  wanderer  from  court  to  court,  so  deep 
in  the  contemplation  of  undiscovered  lands  that  he 
has  never  had  time  to  make  for  himself  a  common 
competency,  knocks  at  the  door  of  a  convent  like  some 
highway  beggar,  and  asks  for  bread  and  water  for 
himself  and  his  child.  The  door  is  opened  and  the 
favor  is  granted,  for  it  is  but  a  small  one,  and  common 
enough,  no  doubt,  with  this  time-honored  institution 
of  good  and  charitable  deeds. 


66 


JUAN  PEREZ. 


■* 


I* 


As  the  humble  guests  partake  of  their  simple  repast, 
the  waiter  is  impressed  with  their  appearance.  The 
worthy  prior  comes  that  way,  and  he  also  is  interested. 
Surely  these  are  no  common  wayfarers — no  mere 
"  tramps,"  as  we  would  say.  That  man  in  threadbare 
garments,  but  with  noble  bearing  and  an  impressive 
intelligence,  must  be  one  of  nature's  noblemen,  with 
some  important  mission  to  mankind.  The  hair  pre- 
maturely gra}',  the  lines  of  thought  and  care  on  every 
feature,  the  pensive  look  of  anxious  sorrow — all  speak 
to  the  kindly  heart  of  the  good  prior.  A  conver- 
sation begins,  upon  which  the  destiny  of  how  great  a 
part  of  the  world  is  pending  ! 

Again  Columbus  has  come  to  the  right  place.  In 
the  language  of  Mr.  Knight,  *'  surely  some  good  angel  " 
must  have  led  him  to  Juan  Perez  de  Marchena,  who, 
probably  more  than  any  one  else  living,  could  at  once 
sympathize  with  his  deepest  thoughts  and  purposes, 
and  give  him  a  truly  helping  hand  in  this  crisis.  This 
personage  was  something  more  than  a  mere  ecclesi- 
astic. He  seems  to  have  been  learned  and  thoughtful 
beyond  the  attainments  of  his  age.  Having  an  ob- 
servatory on  the  roof  of  his  convent,  be  was  ac- 
customed to  resort  thither  for  the  contemplation  alike 
of  the  heavenly  bodies  above  and  of  the  boundless 
ocean  in  full  view  beyond.  Probably  believing  in  the 
sphericity  of  the  earth,  he  had  anticipated  Columbus's 
conception  of  populous  realms  in  the  western  seas. 
Many  an  hour  had  he  spent  in  solemn  reverie  as  to  the 
multitudes  who  might  be  living  in  far-off  and  mysteri- 
ous lands,  without  the  true  knowledge  of  God.  More- 
over, he  was  possessed  of  those  liberal  sentiments  and 


those 

readil} 

guest. 

But 

Juan  I 

former 

acquaii 

ages   a 

and  sai 

him   St 

depend 

La  Ral 

seaport 

Spain. 

rccenth 

them  Ik 

the  wes 

of  the  1 

good  pr; 

most  di 

the    cor 

among  t 

town,  wj 

the  Spa 

He  seen 

unconim 

sciences 

guished 

Alonzo  1 

of  wealt 

singular 

theories  ^ 


f 


wrfijasMi'-'-' 


Imple  repast, 
ranee.  The 
is  interested. 
s — no  mere 
1  threadbare 
I  impressive 
)lemen,  with 
lie  hair  pre- 
are  on  every 
w — all  speak 
A  conver- 
how  great  a 

It  place.  In 
good  angel" 
rchena,  who, 
ould  at  once 
nd  purposes, 
crisis.  This 
nere  ecclesi- 
id  thoughtful 
iving  an  ob- 
he  was  ac- 
plation  alike 
le  boundless 
ieving  in  the 
d  Columbus's 
vestern  seas, 
erie  as  to  the 
and  mysteri- 
God.  More- 
ntiments  and 


COirNSELLOHa  FROM  J'A/.OS. 


67 


those  broad  and  intense  sympathies  which  would 
readily  identify  him  with  the  aspirations  of  his 
guest. 

But   no    less    important    v.ere    the    relations    nhich 
Juan  Perez  bore  to  the  Spanisli  nionarchs.     l\v  had 
formerly  been  confessor  to  Queen    Isabella,  and  was 
acquainted  with   some  of  the  most  influential  person- 
ages   about  the  court.      His  position,  personal  worth, 
and  sanctity  of  character  were  all  such  as  could  give 
hini   strong  influence.      Hut    he   was   too   discreet  to 
depend  simply  on  his  own  judgment.     The  convent  of 
La  Rabida  was  about  a  mile  and  a  half  from  Palos  a 
seaport,  where  dwelt  .some  of  the  ablest  mariners  'in 
vSpain.      They   were   fully   awake    to   all    discoveries 
recently    made   on    the   African    coast,    and    some   of 
them  had  themselves  been  there  and  to  the  islands  to 
the  westward.     They  had  perhaps  been   the   medium 
of  the  nautical  interest  and  information  in  which  the 
good  prior  himself  shared  so  largely.     Several  of  the 
most  distinguished  citizens  of  Palos  were  invited  to 
the    convent    to   intenaew   the   stranger.      Foremost 
among  these  was  Garcia  Fernandez,  a  physician  of  the 
town   who,  during  the  lawsuit  of  Diego  Columbus  with 
the  Spanish  crown,  related  the  incident  here  given 
He  seems  to  have  been  a  person  of  liberal  mind  and 
uncommon  attainments,  especially  in  respect  to  those 
sciences    pertaining   to   navigation.      Another   distin- 
guished person  added  to  the  social  group  was  Martin 
Alonzo  Pmzon,  the  chief  member  of  a  seafaring  family 
of  wealth   and   prestige.      He   soon   came  to  have  a 
singularly  clear  insight  into  the  facts,  arguments,  and 
theones  of  Columbus,  and  sympathized  with  them  so 


68 


77//J  ^{//i/t.V  /S  IXTEliViEWED. 


deeply  as  to  risk  projxTty,  influence,  and,  ultimately, 
life  itself  in  the  ^j^reat  enterprise. 

Here,  for  the  first  time,  the  views  of  a  prophet  of  the 
New  World  were  receiving  the  unprejudiced  and  en- 
lightened attention  which  they  so  well  deserved.  Here, 
in  a  quiet  and  retired  monastery,  were  those  opinions 
and  purposes  forming  which  were  soon  to  lead  the  most 
powerful  courts  and  inaugurate  an  enterprise  which 
must  affect  the  destiny  of  nations  beyond  any  mere  sec- 
ular affair  in  all  ages,  unless  it  be  the  art  of  printing. 

Juan  Perez,  through  an  able  messenger,  most  earnestly 
interceded  for  Columbus.  Isabella  replied  favorably 
and  wished  to  see  the  prior,  who  did  not  wait  till  the 
following  day  after  receiving  the  intelligence,  but 
mounted  his  mule  and  travelled  after  midnight,  through 
the  bleak  winds  of  midwinter,  to  the  royal  encampment 
at  the  new  town  of  Santa  Fe.*  Here  he  sought  the 
Queen. 

Many  a  sacred  reminiscence  of  other  days  must  now 
have  arisen  in  her  mind,  and  was  not  the  good  prior 
able  to  plead  every  point  in  the  case  ?  lu  this  inter- 
view, which  turned  the  tide  of  fortune  in  favor  of  Colum- 
bus, Juan  Perez  is  said  to  have  been  seconded  by 
Louis  de  Santangel,  a  fiscal  officer  of  Arragon,  and  also 
by  the  Marchioness  of  Moya,  an  intimate  friend  of  the 
Queen. 

Her  generous  impulses  were  aroused,  and  she  re- 
quested Columbus  to  be  present  again  at  the  court. 
With  a  true  instinct  of  benevolence  she  sent  him  a 
handsome  sum  of  money  that  he  might  make  his  ap- 

>  This  city,  the  name  of  which  in  English  is  St.  Faith,  was  built  as  a  seat 
of  roj-alty  and  a  general  encampment  during  the  siege  of  Granada. 


pea 

he 

of  a 

the 

jou: 

\ 

ofC 

deli 

dee] 

beh( 

will 

adv( 

but 

cone 

Tha 

und( 

O 

even 

the] 

and 

Boat 

Alh? 

roya 

musl 

somt 

of  w 

what 

poun 

must 

of  tt 

train 

of  tl 


id,  ultimately, 

prophet  of  the 
diced  and  eu- 
>erved.  Here, 
:hose  opinions 
I  lead  the  most 
terprise  which 
any  mere  sec- 
of  printing, 
most  earnestly 
lied  favorably 
•t  wait  till  the 
:elligence,  but 
tiight,  through 
1  encampment 
le  sought  the 

ays  must  now 
he  good  prior 
In  this  iuter- 
ivor  of  Coluni- 
seconded  by 
igon,  and  also 
;  friend  of  the 

I,  and   she  te- 
at the  court, 
e  sent  him  a 
make  his  ap- 

k^-as  built  as  a  seat 
jranada. 


T//E  CONiQ_rEST  or  GRANADA. 


69 


pearance  in  a  becoming  manner.  VVitli  this  $r,  180.00 
he  bought  a  mule  for  his  journey,  and  provided  a  suit 
of  apparel.  Was  not  success  now  probable  ?  Imagine 
the  exultation  of  spirits  iu  which  he  set  out  on  his 
journey  I 

Very  .soon  after  the  arrival  of  Columbus  in  the  vicinity 
of  Granada  a  council  of  learned  men  is  again  called  to 
deliberate  upon  this  western  voyage  into  the  "  vasty 
deep,"  which  .somehow  will  not  stay  "////  ^/w,/."  And 
behold,  time  has  wrought  in  its  favor.  Even  Talavera 
will  throw  some  weiglit  into  the  scale  for  the  persistent 
adventurer.  The  Queen,  too,  is  es.sentially  convinced ; 
but  not  for  a  moment  can  attention  be  diverted  from  the 
conquest  of  Granada,  now  supposed  to  be  just  at  hand. 
That  consummated  she  will  give  this  strange  thing 
under  the  sun  a  favorable  hearing. 

On  January  2d,  1492,  Granada  surrendered,  and  the 
event  may  well  be  regarded  as  one  of  the  grandest  in 
the  history  of  Spain.     The  united  forces  of  the  King 
and   Queen    have   finally   conquered   the   Moors,  and 
Boabdil,  their  King,  is  delivering  up  the  keys  of  the 
Alhambra,  that  time-honored  and  beautiful  palace  of  his 
royal  ancestors.     A  day  of  humiliation  and  sorrow  it 
must  have  been  on  the  part  of  this  brave  people,  who  for 
some  eight  hundred  years  had  dwelt  securely  in  the  land 
of  which  their  forefathers  had   taken  possession.     In 
what  contrast  with  their  crestfallen  appearance,  as  they 
poured  forth  from  the  palace  and  the  vanquished  city 
niust  have  been  the  jubilant  and  triumphant  entrance 
of  the  King  and  Queen  of  Spain,  with  their  grand 
train  of  dukes,  nobles,  and  cavaliers.     These  were  days 
of  the  proudest   military  display.      Glittering  armor 


<  «w^4ai«M.^wbti 


»*B«««i«B»i»«^^Mai»8»«»jtf«ai»bS^^ 


JO 


COLUMBUS  ASKS  TOO  MUCH. 


gay  banners,  gorgeous  plumes,  grand  music — all  min- 
istered to  the  magnificence  of  the  hour. 

It  was  also  a  signal  religious  victory.  The  crescent, 
that  hated  symbol  of  infidelity,  must  nov/  give  place 
to  the  glory  of  the  cross.  Catholicism,  the  religion  of 
the  Christian  world  at  that  time,  was  to  place  its  arch- 
bishop in  Granada;  and  the  whole  world  would 
admire  the  achievement  as  a  most  signal  one  for  the 
Christian  faith. 

In  this  supreme  moment  of  a  nation's  joy,  how  shall 
Columbus  be  heard?  He  must  stand  aside  till  the 
flood-tide  of  excitement  has  passed  over.  Meanwhile 
he  is  the  guest  of  his  firm  and  influential  friend, 
Alonzo  de  Quintanilla,  who  will  speak  encouraging 
words  to  him.  But  have  not  the  monarchs  promised 
him  an  impartial  hearing  as  soon  as  the  war  shall  be 
over?  And  has  not  the  Queen  just  requested  his 
presence  again  at  court  ? 

By  and  by  he  is  ushered  in,  when  lo,  a  new  per- 
plexity arises.  This  obscure  adventurer  asks  alto- 
gether too  much  for  himself.  He  will  be  admiral  of 
the  unknown  seas  into  which  he  is  about  to  sail,  will 
be  viceroy  of  the  realms  to  be  discovered,  and  one- 
tenth  of  all  the  profits  from  trade  or  conquest  must  be 
his.  These  astounding  requirements  take  the  court 
by  surprise.  Fernando  de  Talavera,  confessor  to  the 
Queen,  now  elevated  to  the  new  archbishopric  of 
Granada,  is  especially  chagrined,  and  argues  his  oppo- 
sition to  the  terms  most  shrewdly.  The  honor  of  the 
crown  will  be  compromised,  he  says,  by  yielding  to 
such  exorbitant  demands  on  the  part  of  an  obscure 
and  foreign  adventurer.     If  he  should  succeed,  he  will 


\IUCH. 

music — all  min- 
r. 

yr.  The  crescent, 
It  nov/  give  place 
11,  the  religion  of 
to  place  its  arch- 
ie world  would 
glial  one  for  the 


ti's  joy,  how 


shall 


md  aside  till  the 
ver.  Meanwhile 
afluential  friend, 
»eak  encouraging 
marchs  promised 
;  the  war  shall  be 
.St   requested  his 

en  lo,  a  new  per- 
iturer  asks  alto- 
will  be  admiral  of 
about  to  sail,  will 
covered,  and  one- 
conquest  must  be 
ts  take  the  court 
a,  confessor  to  the 

archbishopric  of 
i  argues  his  oppo- 

The  honor  of  the 
s,  by  yielding  to 
art  of  an  obscure 
id  succeed,  he  will 


UE  HAS  GREAT  ANTICIPATIONS. 


71 


Stand  next  to  the  throne  itself,  casting  his  immense 
shadow  over  the  whole  court  If  he  fail,  as  he  prob- 
ably will,  Spain,  acceding  to  such  high  demands  on 
such  slender  prospects  of  success,  will  become  a 
laughing-stock  to  the  world.  This  threadbare  foreigner 
has  everything  to  gain  and  nothing  to  lose.  The 
crown  takes  the  entire  risk,  and  almost  gives  away 
the  stupendous  result,  should  it  be  accomplished. 

This  is  a  shrewd  putting  of  the  case  against  Co- 
lumbus, and.  coming  as  it  does  from  the  Queen's 
ghostly  adviser,  will  settle  it  against  him.  But  will 
he  not  accept  terms  a  little  less  extravagant  ?  Various 
propositions  are  made,  which  are  thought  quite  reason- 
able and  even  flattering.  The  monarchs  are  willing 
to  pledge  a  great  deal,  but  this  obscure  suitor,  so 
strangely  stubborn  in  his  demands,  will  not  yield  one 
jot  or  tittle.  This  is  a  stupendous  affair  which  he  ex- 
pects to  accomplish ;  besides,  he  and  his  descendants 
after  him  must  be  suitably  rewarded.  He  will  in  no- 
wise belittle  the  grand  enterprise  by  accepting  small 
pay.  Then,  this  is  but  a  stepping-stone  to  what  he 
conceives  to  be  an  infinitely  greater  undertaking — the 
raising  of  a  vast  army  to  rescue  the  tomb  of  Christ 
from  the  infidel.  Here  is  an  immense  reach  of  per- 
spective into  the  future — an  unbounded  hope.  How 
can  he  accept  less  than  the  original  demand  ?  Indeed, 
he  seems  to  have  become  rich,  Cor  he  offers  to  furnish 
one-eighth  of  the  expense  of  the  expedition,  provided 
he  may  have  the  same  proportion  of  the  profits,  which 
profits  must  have  been  additional  to  the  one-tenth  first 
asked  for.  This  eighth  part  of  the  expense,  it  is  sup- 
posed,  was   to  be  obtained    through    the   generosity 


72 


COLUMBUS  LEAVES  THE  COURT. 


of  the  Pinzons,  who  had  so  cordially  espoused  this 
cause. 

Neither  side  would  yield,  so,  after  all  said  and  done, 
the  negotiation  was  broken  off.  Talavera  seemed  to 
have  given  the  finishing  stroke  to  his  scheme,  as  far  as 
Spain  was  concerned ;  Columbus  therefore  mounted  his 
mule  and  turned  toward  France. 

We  have  no  record  of  his  thoughts,  as  he  wended 
his  way  among  the  Audalusian  mountains,  toward 
Cordova ;  but  we  may  imagine  some  of  his  sad  mus- 
ings. What  a  crushing  disappointment,  this!  Memory 
passed  over  the  events  of  some  eighteen  or  twenty 
years  since  those  realms  beyond  the  **  sea  of  dark- 
ness "  first  rose  like  a  vision  before  him.  During  that 
time,  how  faithfully  he  had  striven  at  different  courts 
to  secure  the  moderate  aid  he  needed.  He  had  tried 
to  give  away  the  new  world,  but  no  nation  thought  it 
worth  while  to  accept  it.  The  many  years  in  Portugal, 
and  the  two  councils  called  by  the  King,  had  sent  a 
provision  ship  to  the  Cape  de  Verde  Islands  !  Genoa 
had  made  light  of  her  wool-comber's  son !  Seven 
tedious  years  of  waiting  in  Spain  had  come  to  nothing ! 
Would  France  treat  him  any  better  ?  Why  was  it  he 
heard  nothing  from  Henry  VH.  in  England,  to  whom 
he  had  sent  his  brother  Bartholomew  so  long  ago  ? 

But  the  cause  is  not  yet  lost  in  Spain.  Great  im- 
pressions have  been  made  on  great  minds,  and  they 
cannot  be  reconciled  to  the  loss  of  so  grand  an  oppor- 
tunity. He  who  gave  voice  to  this  stirring  conviction 
was  Louis  de  Santangel,  treasurer  of  the  church  funds 
in  Aragon.  He,  along  with  Alonzo  de  Quintanilla, 
went  at  once  into  the  presence  of  the  Queen,  and,  with 


URT. 
ispoused  this 

lid  and  done, 
ra  seemed  to 
erne,  as  far  as 
I  mounted  his 

3  he  wended 
tains,  toward 
his  sad  mus- 
bis!  Memory 
:n  or  twenty 

sea  of  dark- 

During  that 
fferent  courts 
He  had  tried 
)n  thought  it 
■s  in  Portugal, 
^,  had  sent  a 
mds !    Genoa 

son !  Seven 
le  to  nothing ! 
^hy  was  it  he 
land,  to  whom 
ong  ago  ? 
a.  Great  im- 
ids,  and  they 
and  an  oppor- 
ing  conviction 

church  funds 
:  Quintanilla, 
een,  and,  with 


SANTANGEVS  EL  O^  UENT  INTER  CESSION.      73 

that  spirit  and  eloquence  which  is  bom  of  intense  emo- 
tion, he  almost  reproached  her  for  lack  of  discernment 
and  enterprise.     As  given  by  Fernando  Columbus,  his 
words  were  as  follows  :  "  He  wondered  to  see  that  her 
Highness,  who  had  always  a  great  soul  for  all  matters 
of  moment  and  consequence,  should  now  want  the  heart 
to  enter  upon  an  undertaking  where  so  little  was  ven- 
tured, and  which  might  redound  so  much  to  the  glory 
of  God  and  propagation  of  the  faith,  not  without  great 
benefit  and  honor  to  her  kingdom  and  dominions,  and 
such,  in  short,  that  if  any  other  prince  should  undertake 
it,  as  the  Admiral  offered,  the  damage  that  would  accrue 
to  her  crown  was  very  visible,  and  that  then  she  would 
with  just  cause  be  much  blamed  by  her  friends  and 
servants,  and  reproached  by  her  enemies,  and  all  people 
would  say  she  had  well  deserved  that  misfortune,  and 
though  she  herself  should  never  have  cause  to  repent 
it,  yet  her  successors  would  certainly  feel  the  smart  of 
it.     Therefore,  sinte  the  matter  seemed  to  be  grounded 
upon  reason,  and  the  Admiral  who  proposed  it  was  a 
man  of  sense  and  wisdom,  and  demanded  no  other  re- 
ward but  what  he  should  find,  being  willing  to  bear  part 
of  the  charge,  besides  venturing  his  own  person,  her 
Highness  ought  not  to  look  upon  it  as  such  an  impossi- 
bility as  those  scholars  made  it,  and  that  what  they  said, 
that  it  would  be  a  reflection  on  ler  if  the  enterprise  did 
not  succeed  as  the  Admiral  proposed,  was  a  folly,  and 
he  was  of  quite  contrary  opinion,  rather  believing  they 
would  be  looked  upon  as  generous  and  magnanimous 
princes  for  attempting  to  discover  the  secrets  and  won- 
ders of  the  world  as  other  monarchs  had  done,  and  it 
had  redounded,  to  their  honor.     But  though  the  e/ent 


74 


ISABELLA  IS  CONVINCED. 


were  never  so  uncertain,  yet  a  considerable  sum  of  money 
would  be  well  employed  in  clearing  sucli  a  doubt.  Be- 
sides that,  tbe  Admiral  only  demanded  2,500  crowns  to 
fit  t1;e  fleet,  and  therefore  she  ought  not  to  despise  that 
undertaking,  that  it  might  not  be  said  it  was  the  fear  of 
spending  so  small  a  sum  that  kept  her  back." 

Such  are  the  mere  fragments,  probably,  of  what  must 
have  been  a  most  moving  appeal.  Others,  too,  jonied 
in  the  persuasive  effort,  particularly  that  most  worthy 
friend  of  the  Queen,  the  Marchioness  of  Moya,  and, 
without  doubt,  de  Quintanilla. 

Now,  as  never  before,  the  grandeur  of  the  proposed 
enterprise  burst  like  a  glorious  vision  on  the  imagina- 
tion of  the  Queen.  But  the  King  did  not  share  her 
conviction,  so  she  would  stand  virtually  alone  in  the 
undertaking.  Moreover,  the  national  finances  had  been 
exhausted  by  the  war  j  ust  closed.  Her  enthusiasm  was 
sufficient,  however,  to  overcome  all  obstacles.  "  I  un- 
dertake the  enterprise  for  my  own  crown  of  Castile,  and 
will  pledge  my  jewels  to  raise  the  necessary  funds,''  she 
exclaimed  ;  and  this  was,  without  doubt,  the  grandest 
resolution  of  her  life— itself  alone  enough  to  distinguish 
her  as  the  heroine  of  her  age. 

But  it  was  not  necessary  for  her  to  pledge  the  jewels 
of  her  crown.  Santangel  stood  ready  to  advance  fiom 
the  ecclesiastical  funds  of  Aragon  the  seventeen  thou- 
sand florins  necessary  to  the  undertaking,  and  the  loan 
was  duly  paid  back  out  of  the  first  gold  from  the  New 
World,  Ferdinand  having  used  it  to  gild  the  royal  sa- 
loon at  Saragossa. 

Alonzo  de  Quintanilla  and  Santangel  kissed  the  hand 
of  the  Queen  in  token  of  their  gratification  over  her  de- 


■■  \ 


D. 

sum  of  money 
a  doubt.  Be- 
,500  crowns  to 

0  despise  that 
vas  the  fear  of 
ck." 

,  of  what  must 
2rs,  too,  joined 
,t  most  worthy 
of  Moya,  and, 

the  proposed 
n  the  imagina- 
not  share  her 
V  alone  in  the 
ances  had  been 
nthusiasm  was 
acles.     "I  un- 

of  Castile,  and 
ary  funds,''  she 
t,  the  grandest 

1  to  distinguish 

idge  the  jewels 
)  advance  fiom 
eventeen  thou- 
g,  and  the  loan 
from  the  New 
Id  the  royal  sa- 

kissed  the  hand 
ion  over  her  de- 


COL  UMB C/S'S  PRI VILE GES. 


75 


cision,  and  at  once  she  despatched  a  messenger,  who 
overtook  Columbus  on  the  bridge  Pinos,  some  six  miles 
on  his  way  toward  Cordova.  He  did  not  turn  .about  at 
once,  for  he  had  learned  to  be  cautious  as  to  royal  prom- 
ises; but  when  all  the  circumstances  of  the  Queen's  new 
attitude  were  made  known  to  him  he  came  back  to  Santa 
F6.  • 

Now  the  sovtieigns  were  willing  to  concede  to  him 
his  own  terms,  ':he  originals  of  which  aie  still  preserved, 

Introductouv  Sentence  to  the  Privileges  of  Columbus. 

"  In  the  name  of  the  Holy  Trinity  and  eternal  Unity,  Father,  Son, 
and  Holy  Ghost,  three  persons  really  distinct  in  one  divine  es- 
sence, which  lives  and  reigns  forever  without  end." 

The  things  prayed  for  and  which  your  Highnesses  give  and  grant 
to  Don  Christopher  Columbus  to  reward  him  in  some  manner  for 
what  he  has  discovered  in  the  ocean,  and  for  the  voyage  which  now, 
with  the  assistance  of  God,  he  is  about  to  undertake  to  those  parts 
for  the  service  of  your  Highnesses,  are  the  following : 

First,  that  your  Highnesses,  as  lords  of  the  said  ocean,  may  ap- 
point from  this  moment  the  said  Don  Christopher  Columbus  to  be 
your  Admiral  in  all  the  islands  and  continents  which  through  his 
labor  and  industry  shall  be  discovered  or  acquired  in  the  said  ocean, 
during  his  natural  life ;  and  after  his  death  his  heirs  and  successors, 
one  after  the  other  perpetually,  with  all  the  pre-eminences  and  pre- 
rogatives which  belong  to  the  said  office,  in  the  same  manner  as 
Don  Alphonso  Enriques,  your  High  Admiral  of  Castile,  and  the 
other  predecessors  in  the  said  offices  enjoyed  them  in  their  own 
districts.  '  ^, 

It  so  pleases  their  Highnesses. 

JOHN  DE  COLOMA. 

In  like  manner  that  your  Highnesses  may  appoint  the  said  Don 
Christopher  Columbus  to  be  your  viceroy  and  governor-general  over 
all  the  said  islands  and  continents  which,  as  has  been  said,  he  shall 


76 


COL  UMB  US'S  PR  J  VILEGES. 


discover  or  shall  acquire   in  the  aforesaid  seas,  and  that  for  the 

government  of  each  one,  and  any  of  them,  he  may  make  choice  of 

three  persons  for  every  office,  of  whom  your  Highnesses  shall  take 

and  elect  one  who  sliall  be  most  agreeable  to  you,  and  thus  the 

lands  which   our  Lord  will  permit  us  to  discover  and  acquire  for 

the  service  of  your  Highnesses  will  be  better  governed. 

It  so  pleases  th«ir  Highnesses. 

,  JOHN  DE  COLOMA. 

Item  :  That  all  and  whatsoever  merchandise,  whether  pearls,  pre- 
cious stones,  gold,  silver,  drugs,  and  other  things  and  merchandise 
whatsoever,  of  whatever  kind,  name,  and  manner,  that  shall  be 
bought,  exchanged,  found,  and  gained,  or  shall  be  within  the  limits 
of  the  said  admiralty,  your  Highnesses  from  this  moment  grant  to 
the  said  Don  Christopher  Columbus,  and  will  that  he  have  and 
take  for  himself  the  tenth  part  of  them,  all  expenses  deducted  that 
may  have  been  incurred  by  it,  so  that  of  what  shall  remain  free  and 
net  he  may  have  and  take  for  himself  the  tenth  part,  and  dispose  of 
it  according  to  his  pleasure,  giving  the  other  nine  parts  to  your 
Highnesses. 

It  so  pleases  their  Highnesses. 

JOHN  DE  COLOMA. 

In  like  manner  that  if  on  account  of  the  merchandise  which  shall 
be  transported  into  the  aforesaid  islands  and  lands  which  shall  be 
acquired  or  discovered  as  has  been  said,  or  which  by  other  mer- 
chants during  this  time  may  be  transported  from  those  parts  to 
ours,  there  should  arise  any  dispute  in  the  place  where  the  said 
traffic  is  held  and  made,  he  requests  your  Highnesses  that  if  by  the 
pre-eminence  of  his  office  of  Admiral  the  cognizance  of  such  cause 
should  belong  to  him,  he  or  his  substitute,  and  no  other  judge,  may 
take  cognizance  of  such  causes,  and  thus  may  decide  from  hence- 
forward. 

It  so  pleases  their  Highnesses,  if  it  belongs  to  the  said  office  of 
Admiral,  according  as  Admiral  Don  Alphonso  Enriques  and  his 
other  predecessors  enjoyed  it  in  their  districts,  it  being  just. 

j6hN  dk  COLOMA. 

Item  :  That  in  all  the  vessels  that  shall  be  equipped  for  the  said 
traffic  and  trade,  always,  where,  and  whatever  time  they  are  equipped, 


1 


nd  that  for  the 
make  choice  of 
lesses  shal!  take 
u,  and  thus  the 
and  acquire  for 
led. 

c  COLOMA. 

ther  pearls,  pre- 
fid  merchandise 
r,  that  shall  be 
vithin  the  limits 
loment  grant  to 
at  he  have  and 
:s  deducted  that 
remain  free  and 
,  and  dispose  of 
e  parts  to  your 


5  COLOMA. 

lise  which  shall 
i  which  shall  be 
1  by  other  mer- 
I  those  parts  to 
where  the  said 
es  that  if  by  the 
:e  of  such  cause 
)ther  judge,  may 
ide  from  hence- 

the  said  office  of 
Inriques  and  his 
ng  just. 
K  COLOMA. 

ped  for  the  said 
ley  are  equipped, 


COLUMBUS  GOES  TO  PAL  OS. 


17 


the  said  Don  Christopher  Columbus  may,  if  he  chooses,  contribute 
and  pay  the  eighth  part  of  all  that  is  spent  in  equipping  them,  and 
that  he  may  take  likewise  the  eighth  part  of  the  profits  that  may  re- 
sult from  such  equipment. 

It  so  pleases  their  Highnesses. 

JOHN  DE  COLOMA. 

They  are  granted  and  expedited  with  the  answers  of  their  High- 
nesses at  the  end  of  each  article.  In  the  town  of  Santa  F6,  in  the 
plain  of  Granada,  the  17th  day  of  April,  in  the  year  of  the  nativity 
of  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ  one  thousand  four  hundred  and  ninety- 
two. 

I  THE  KING.  I  THE  QUEEN. 

By  command  of  the  King  and  of  the  Qiieen  : 

JOHN  DE  COLOMA. 
Registered  Talcena. 

As  Juan  Pere^  and  the  Pinzons,  the  principal  helpers 
of  Columbus,  were  at  Palos,  it  was  but  natural  that  this 
seaport  should  become  the  headquarters  of  the  expe- 
dition. And  this  came  about  the  more  readily,  since, 
by  some  offence  to  the  monarchs,  the  town  had  been 
ordered  to  furnish  two  armed  vessels  for  royal  service 
for  a  year.^  These  might  be  turned  over  to  Columbus. 
The  royal  order  to  this  effect  was  duly  read  to  the  au- 
thorities and  people  of  the  town,  from  the  porch  of  the 
church  of  St.  George,  on  the  23d  of  May.  The  ves- 
sels referred  to  were  to  be  ready  in  ten  days  ;  and  Co- 
lumbus was  t!o  furnish  another,  according  to  his  own 
proposition. 


»"In  consequence  of  the  offeree  which  we  received  at  your  hands,  you 
were  condemned  by  our  council  to  render  us  the  service  o(  two  caravels, 
armed,  at  your  own  expense,  for  the  space  of  twelve  month*,  whenever  and 
wherever  it  should  be  our  pleasure  to  acrnand  the  saiae."  So  ran  the  requigi- 
tion  of  the  sovereigns. 


78 


THE  PINZONS   VOLUNTEER. 


But  neither  the  royal  mandate  nor  the  promise  of 
the  pay  of  seamen  in  armed  vessels  four  months  in  ad- 
vance could  move  these  sturdy  sailors.  Their  heads 
were  too  full  of  terrors  of  the  unknown  seas,  so  com- 
monly believed  in  by  the  unenlightened  and  super- 
stitious in  those  days,  to  be  led  out  on  a  voyage  so  uncer- 
tain and  perilous.  Neither  could  the  vessels  be  pro- 
cured. Weeks  passed  and  nothing  could  be  done. 
Even  when  the  sovereigns  send  an  officer  to  force 
obedience  to  their  orders,  there  is  but  little  result  ex- 
cept a  general  tumult  and  confusion. 

In  this  critical  state  of  affairs  the  Pinzon  brothers, 
Martin  Alonzo  and  Vicente  Yanez,  both  very  able  nav- 
igators, volunteered  to  enter  the  expedition,  and 
offered  to  furnish  one  vessel.  They  had  many  rela- 
tions, friends,  and  employees  in  the  place,  and  were 
persons  of  strong  influence  ;  so  the  other  two  vessels 
were  finally  secured,  possibly  both  were  pressed  into 
the  service,  and  quite  a  number  were  persuaded  to 
help  make  up  the  crews.  But  it  became  necessary  to 
proclaim  freedom  to  those  civilly  and  criminally  ob- 
noxious to  the  law,^  in  case  they  would  embark  in  the 
enterprise,  in  order  that  a  sufficient  number  might  be 
prevailed  on  to  go.  Indeed,  some  of  the  number,  it 
would  seem,  were  even  compelled.^  Under  such  cir- 
cumstances everything  moved  on  reluctantly  and 
with  difficulty.     Those  employed  to  fit  out  the  vessels 

1  "The  ship  of  Columbus  was,  therefore  a  refuge  for  criminals  and  run- 
away debtors,  a  cave  of  AduUam  for  the  discontented  and  the  desperate.  To 
have  to  deal  with  such  a  community  was  not  one  of  the  least  of  Columbus's 
difficulties."- /f?//s.  Col.,  pp.  80,  8t. 

»  There  is  reason  to  believe  that  this  most  desperate  part  of  the  crews  was 
quartered  on  the  Santa  Maria,  and  that  the  Pinzons  had  the  better  element 
—persons  who  volunteered  under  friendly  influences. 


did 
ran 
disa 
selv 
L 
The 

long 
vess 
by( 
thos 
cabi; 
castl 
saile 
conn 
latee 
emb 
abou 
twen 
A( 
have 
six 
scuri 
says, 
are  s 
preci 
previ 
wher 
a  sea 
prog, 
cerni 
mar\ 


;  promise  of 
Qonths  in  ad- 
Their  lieads 
seas,  so  coui- 
i  and  super- 
age  so  uiicer- 
ssels  be  pro- 
.ild  be  done, 
icer  to  force 
ttle  result  ex- 

zon  brothers, 
ery  able  uav- 
)editiou,  and 
d  many  rela- 
ce,  and  were 
:  two  vessels 

pressed  into 
persuaded  to 

necessary  to 
;riminally  ob- 
:mbark  in  the 
ber  might  be 
le  number,  it 
der  such  cir- 
iuctantly  and 
at  the  vessels 

criminals  and  run- 
the  desperate.  To 
iast  of  Columbus's 

rt  of  the  crews  was 
the  better  element 


COLUMBUS'S  SHIPS. 


79 


did  their  work  badly  ;  and  when  ordered  to  do  it  over 
ran  away.  Some  who  had  volunteered  repented,  and 
disaifected  others.  Some  deserted  and  hid  them- 
selves.    Nothing  went  smoothly  and  with  good  will. 

Look  now  at  the  outfit  for  this  unparalleled  voyage. 
The  Santa  Maria,  said  to  be  an  old  vessel  fitted  and 
rigged  over,  is  of  moderate  size— possibly  some  60  feet 
long  and  25  feet  wide— and  is  the  only  one  of  the  three 
vessels  which  has  a  complete  deck.  She  is  commanded 
by  Columbus  and  contains  the  most  motley  portion  of 
those  making  up  the  crews.  The  Pinta,  with  a  high 
cabin  in  the  rear  for  the  officers,  and  also  a  high  fore- 
castle for  the  common  sailors,  is  called  a  caravel,  and  is 
sailed  by  Martin  Alonzo  Pinzon.  The  Nina—''''  Baby  "— 
commanded  by  Vicente  Yaflez  Pinzon,  is  similar,  but  has 
lateen  or  three-cornered  sails.  The  entire  number  who 
embarked  in  these  vessels,  each  capable  of  carrying 
about  one  hundred  tons,  was,  perhaps,  one  hundred  and 
twenty. 

According  to  the  date  of  Columbus's  birth  which  we 
have  accepted  as  probable,  he  would  now  be  about  forty- 
six  years  of  age.  If  "an  impenetrable  cloud  of  ob- 
scurity "  rests  on  his  earlier  years,  and  if,  as  Prescott 
says,  "  the  discrepancies  among  the  earlies.t  authorities 
are  such  as  to  render  hopeless  any  attempt  to  settle  with 
precision  the  chronology  of  Columbus's  movements 
previous  to  his  first  voyage,  one  thing  is  certain — some- 
where, somehow,  he  had  received  a  masterly  discipline  as 
a  seaman.  His  skill  in  keeping  reckoning  at  sea,  in 
prognosticating  the  weather,  and  particularly  in  dis- 
cerning the  indications  of  nearness  to  land,  was  simply 
marvellous — almost  superhuman.     And  any  one  who 


iw 


8o 


THE  GREA  T  SEAMAN. 


could  outride  storm  and  tempest,  amongst  rocks  and 
shoals  and  in  mid-ocean,  with  such  inferior  and  crazy 
ships  as  were  some  of  those  in  which  he  made  his  voy- 
ages, must  indeed  have  been  master  of  his  craft.  The  im- 
proved compass  and  the  astrolabe,  those  important  and 
wonderful  instruments  of  his  time,  must  have  done 
their  best  service  in  his  hands.  As  a  nautical  astrono- 
mer he  was  so  familiar  with  the  stars  and  constellations 
as  to  feel  "  sure  and  safe  "  anywhere  in  the  ocean  seas  ; 
for  by  them  he  could  at  any  time  determine  his  exact 
position,  as  if  by  a  "  prophetic  vision."  Whether  he 
passed  his  early  life  in  the  more  honorable  pursuits  of 
seamanship  for  his  day,  or  whether  he  was  trained 
under  the  French  colors  of  piratical  notoriety,  the  fact 
that  he  could  emerf^e  from  a  life  of  such  unfavorable 
influences  as  were  those  of  the  sailor  of  his  day  even  at 
the  best,  with  such  stores  of  valuable  and  important 
knowledge,  such  sympathy  with  and  insight  into  the 
grandest  philosophical  deductions  of  his  age,  such  sin- 
gleness of  purpose,  indomitable  perseverance,  good  tact, 
heroic  courage,  and  ardent  piety,  would  seem  to  be  a 
most  remarkable  outcome — one  of  the  most  remarkable 
in  all  history.  If  he  were  a  pirate,  as  some  say,  he  was 
surely  the  njost  noble  and  useful  person  ever  found  in 
that  class. 


tern 

barl 

ovei 

mar 

port 

But 

Thr 

seas 

for  J 

of  t] 

mig; 

mad 

exp( 

tion 

vant 

the 

quel 

the  ! 

ougl 

wort 

Cc 

ness 

by  1 


;st  rocks  and 
or  and  crazy 
nade  his  voy- 
aft.  The  ini- 
inportant  and 
t  have  done 
ttical  astrono- 
Mnstellations 
e  ocean  seas  ; 
line  his  exact 
Whether  he 
le  pursuits  of 
was  trained 
riety,  the  fact 
,  unfavorable 
s  day  even  at 
ad  important 
ight  into  the 
ige,  such  sin- 
ace,  good  tact, 
seem  to  be  a 
st  remarkable 
le  say,  he  was 
:ver  found  in 


CHAPTER  V. 

THK  [-IRST  VOYAGK  ACROSS  THE  ATLANTIC. 

|N  Friday  morniii};,  the  3d  of  August,  before 
the  suu  cast  his  rays  across  the  orean,  the 
sails  were  unfurled  for  the  distant  and  mys- 
terious voyage.     Never  was  there  a  more  solemn  em- 
barkation.    There  is  always   a  peculiar  uncertuinty 
overshadowing  him  who  goes  out  upon  the  sea.     How 
many  a  ship  well  rigged  and  manned,  with  a  certain 
port  in  view,  never  returns  nor  is  heard  from  again. 
But  this  voyage  was  unlike  any  other  of  all  time. 
Three  small  vessels  were  putting  out  into  unkuown 
seas,  without  any  definite  landing  place.     Once  and 
for  all,  a  line  was  about  to  be  projected  from  one  side 
of  the  globe  to  the  other.      Ever  afterwards   others 
might  follow  in  the  wake,  but  this  voyage  could  be 
made  but  once,  and  admitted  of  no  parallel.     All  the 
expeditions  along  West  Africa  and  all  previous  naviga- 
tion had  been  mere  coasting.     Taking  the  fullest  ad- 
vantage of  the  late  improvements  of  the  compass  and 
the  astrolabe,  and   following  out  the  natural   conse- 
quence  of  that   astounding   doctrine   in   philosophy, 
the  sphericity  of  the  earth,  this  was  to  be  the  first  thor- 
oughly independent  and  scientific  voyage.     And  how 
worthy  and  momentous  were  its  results ! 

Columbus  and  his  men,  conscious  of  the  perilous- 
ness  of  the  undertaking,  felt  themselves  overshadowed 
by  the  presence  of   the    Infinite.    The    former    had 


i.^M^MtSI^:i.iSJ^..fl 


-'.■3»M :  ^r9  -.  'WW  »*.  ■  fgif^s.  rv.'»V.tvjr*/^*«B*<i!tj«Ssw  -■■ 


I 


82 


THE  DARK  SKA. 


confessed    liinisclf   to    the    good    prior  of  La  Rabida 
and   taken    tlic   communion,  and  the    several   officers 
and  crews    had    followed    his    example.      The  whole 
community,  witnessing  the  solemn  scene,  was  deeply 
awed  and  in  a  state  of  mourning.     HiiN^ands,  sons, 
friends,  and   neighbors  were  going  out  with  scarcely 
a   possible  hope  of    returning.      Science   and  natural 
hist' vy  have  done  so  much  to  nuike  us  familiar  and 
at   liomi    \\\    every  pait   of    tue   world    that  we   can 
form  no  conception  of  the  superstitious  terrors  which 
then  prevailed  in  reference  to  the  boundless  unknown. 
Sea-serpents,  mermaids,  and  monsters  having  no  affinity 
or  analogy  with  the  systems  of  nature  w«;'  c  the  imagined 
inhabitants  of  the  unexplored  seas.     The  equatorial  re- 
gion was  a  belt  of  imta  sable   heat,  where  the  very 
ocean  boiled  beneath  the  \';rlical  rays  of  the  sun.     The 
sphericity  of  the  earth  would  admit  of  sailing  away 
down  hill  to  any  extent,  but  to  return  up  grade  against 
wind  and  wave  would  be  impossible.     Scarcely  less  per- 
ilous were  the  clouds  above.     Not  the  **  albatross  "  of 
the  "  ancient  mariner,"  but  the  great  "  rock,"  a  bird  so 
gigantic  as  to  seize  a  ship  in  his  talons  and  bear  it  away 
to  the  clouds  to  gobble  up  its  men,  and  breaking  it  in 
pieces  drop  the  fragments  on  the  waves  below,  was  one 
of  the  terrors  of  the  untried  waste  of  waters. 

Maps  and  charts  of  those  times  filled  up  the  unknown 
parts  of  the  ocean  with  hideous  monstrosities  of  the 
imagination ;  and  the  Mohammedans,  whose  religion 
would  not  admit  of  such  idolatrous  art,  imaged  a  huge 
black  hand  in  the  horizon. 

Toscanelli  placed  the  Canary  Islands  in  the  same 
latitudinal  line  with  Antilla  and  Cipango,  on  the  way  to 


f  La  Rabida 
veral   officers 
The  whole 
,  was  deeply 
-.Hands,  sons, 
with  scarcely 
and  natural 
familiar  and 
that  we  can 
terrors  which 
;ss  unknown, 
ing  no  affinity 
the  imagined 
equatorial  re- 
lere  the  very 
lie  sun.     The 
sailing  away 
grade  against 
rcely  less  per- 
albatross  "  of 
ck,"  a  bird  so 
d  bear  it  away 
freaking  it  in 
elow,  was  one 
rs. 

the  unknown 
osities  of  the 
irhose  religion 
maged  a  huge 

in  the  same 
on  the  way  to 


I 


f 


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IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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1.0 


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Ui     feiii 

t    lis    12.0 


U    IIIIII.6 


—    6" 


V 


Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


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23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  US80 

(716)  872-4503 


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•^^ 


imsmmm^' 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


■site^»sra»« 


Inc 
ser 

his 
] 
"t 
au( 
a  \ 

roi 


IS 
Ol 

b( 


coLuymus  at  tjie  caxar/es. 


S3 


India ;  and  as  CoUmibns  sailed  essentially  by  his  map 
sent  to  him  in  1474,  he  went  first  to  those  islands  to  get 
his  starting  point  westward. 

Peter  Martyr  adds  that  he  went  to  the  Canary  Islands 
"  to  the  intent  there  to  refresh  his  ships  with  fresh  water 
and  fnel  before  he  committed  himself  to  this  so  laborious 

a  vo3'age.'' 

Nothing  of  importance  occurred  on  this  part  of  the 
route  except  that  the  Pinla's  rudder  gave  way.     This 


is  supposed  to  have  been  no  mere  accident,  but  a  trick 
on  the  part  of  the  owners,  the  vessel  having  probably 
been  pressed  into  service.     The  captain,  Martin  Alonzo 


84 


THE  FIRES  OF  TENERIFFE. 


Pitizon,  being  an  ingenious  and  experienced  seaman, 
twice  secured  the  rudder  by  cords,  and  the  craft  reached 
the  Canaries  in  safety  the  9th  of  August.  But  this  in- 
cident made  Columbus  uneasy,  and  he  made  a  thorough 
effort  to  get  another  vessel  at  these  islands  ;  but  after 
spending  three  weeks  to  no  purpose  the  Pinta  was  ca- 
reened in  order  to  have  her  leaks  stopped,  and  furnished 
with  a  new  rudder ;  and  the  lateen  sails  of  the  Nina 
having  been  replaced  by  square  ones  the  squadron  sailed 
on  its  way  on  the  6th  of  September. 

More  than  a  month  had  passed  since  the  little  fleet 
left  Palos.  Quite  a  detention  this  must  have  been  to 
the  anxious  Admiral ;  but  the  time  was  not  altogether 
lost,  for  the  stories  of  land  to  the  westward,  with  which 
the  atmosphere  of  these  islands  abounded,  must  have 
done  something  to  brace  up  the  courage  of  his  unwilling 
crews. 

They  were,  however,  in   an  intense  state  of  excite- 
ment.    Almost  anything  out  of  the  ordinary  way  filled 
them  with  alarm.     The  streaming  fires  from  the  ma- 
jestic peak  of  TeneriiFe,  one  of  the  Canaries,  had  af- 
frighted some  of  the  more  ignorant ;  but  after  Columbus's 
explanation  of  the  volcanic  forces  they  were  pacified. 
All  went  well  now  till  the  last  point  of  land  faded  from 
the  horizon,  and  there  was  nothing  in  sight  but  "the 
fruition  of  the  heaven  and  the  water."     Then  the  mag- 
nitude   and    fearful   uncertainty   of   the   undertaking 
startled  their  wild  and  untutored  fancies.     They  im- 
agined they  should  never  see  land  again,  and  the  near 
prospect  of  death  in  the  "  sea  of  darkness  "  overwhelmed 
them.     These   emotional   spirits   of  a  southern  clime 
burst  into  tears,  and  some  even  broke  out  into  loud 
lamentations. 


tong 

picti 

pror 

the 

stea 

reso 

in  n 

'I 

but 

pari 

slig 

can 

easi 

edh 

C 

jus 

def 

he 

rat 

se\ 

ex 

ha; 
H« 
ce] 
me 
su; 
m( 
pe 
ch 
of 


<FE. 

euced  seaman, 
le  craft  reached 
t.  But  this  in- 
ade  a  thorough 
inds  ;  but  after 
e  Pinta  was  ca- 
i,  and  furnished 
lis  of  the  Nina 
squadron  sailed 

I  the  little  fleet 
St  have  been  to 
3  not  altogether 
ard,  with  which 
ided,  must  have 
of  his  unwilling 

state  of  excite- 

linary  way  filled 

s  from  the  nia- 

^anaries,  had  af- 

after  Columbus's 

y  were  pacified. 

land  faded  from 

sight  but  "the 

Then  the  mag- 

;he   undertaking 

icies.     They  im- 

lin,  and  the  near 

!s  "  overwhelmed 

southern  clime 

ce  out  into  loud 


TUB  SAILORS  STEER  BADLT. 


85 


Now  Columbus's  brilliant  imagination  and  eloquent 
tongue  stood  him  in  good  stead.  He  drew  a  most  vivid 
picture  of  Marco  Polo's  kingdoms  of  the  Orient,  and 
promised  them  great  rewards  if  they  would  persevere  to 
the  end.  Had  he  landed  in  the  empires  of  Tartary  in- 
stead of  in  the  New  World  of  savages  and  undeveloped 
resources  he  would  no  doubt  have  been  but  too  happy 
in  making  all  these  promises  good. 

These  poor  ignorant  sailors  were  soothed  for  a  time, 
but  the  undercurrent  of  intense  fear  continued,  and  their 
paroxysms  could  at  any  moment  be  brought  on  by  the 
slightest  untoward  incident.  And  they  steered  badly, 
causing  the  vessel  to  fall  to  leeward,  toward  the  north- 
east, for  which  the  Admiral  reprimanded  them  repeat- 
edly. 1         rj    J- 

Columbus,  expecting  to  find  some  of  his  isles  of  India 
just  about  where  the  Great  Antilles  are,  had  such  a 
definite  notion  as  to  where  he  should  reach  land  that 
he  gave  orders  to  the  vessels  to  lay  by,  in  case  of  sepa- 
ration, from  midnight  till  daylight,  after  they  had  sailed 
seven  hundred  leagues,  for  they  might  then  confidently 
expect  to  find  land. 

Here,  also,  occurred  that  precaution  on  his  part  which 
has  been  so  severely  censured  by  some  of  his  critics. 
He  must  have  been  keenly  sensible  of  the  fact  that,  ex- 
cepting a  few  of  the  officers,  he  had  not  the  hearts  of  the 
men  who  sailed  with  him.  They  h^d  either  been  overper- 
suaded  or  literally  pressed  into  the  service.  They  were, 
moreover,  for  the  most  part,  a  very  crude  and  excitable 
people,  with  heads  much  too  thick  to  accommodate  the 
clear  and  luminous  notions  of  the  Admiral.  The  danger 
of  mutiny  was   imminent  every  hour,  and  Columbus 


S6 


THE  DOCBLE  RECKONING. 


would  have  been  obtuse,  indeed,  had  he  not  realized  his 
peril.  Hence  it  was  that  he  kept  a  double  log  or  record 
of  the  distauce  passed  over ;  the  one,  exact,  for  his  own 
private  use,  the  other  diminished  carefully  each  day  for 
general  inspection,  in  order  that  the  crews  might  not 
know  how  far  they  were  from  home.  In  view  of  the 
fact  that,  in  cases  of  emergency  amounting  to  necessity, 
casuists  and  moral  philosophers  of  all  time  have  justified 
instances  of  deception,  and  considering  the  moral  crude- 
ness  of  the  age  in  which  Columbus  lived,  it  would  not 
only  be  uncharitable,  but  even  unjust,  to  stigmatize  him 
as  deceitful  because  of  the  few  instances  of  this  kind 
which  occurred  during  his  life. 

Others,  again,  have  ridiculed  the  possibility  of  such  an 
advantage  being  taken,  believing  the  pilots  and  navi- 
gators of  his  crews  to  have  been  capable  of  detecting  any 
such  ruse.  But  let  it  be  remembered  how  incomplete 
the  method  of  reckoning  was  in  those  days.  The  eye 
noted  the  speed  of  the  ship,  and  the  distance  per  hour 
being  estimated,  the  hour-glass  afiforded  the  multiple. 
And  in  how  many  instances  of  difference  of  opinion  be- 
tween Columbus  and  his  men  he  proved  in  the  end  to 
be  correct.  Hence  the  confidence  reposed  in  his  supe- 
rior nautical  skill  was  altogether  remarkable.  Then, 
too,  his  open  figures  of  the  distance  passed  over  were 
greater  than  those  of  the  pilots  of  the  vessels. 

Tuesday,  September  nth,  they  saw  a  large  fragment 
of  the  mast  of  a  vessel,  apparently  of  120  tons,  but  could 
not  pick  it  up. 

On  the  13th,  for  the  first  time  in  the  history  of  that 
newly-improved  instrument,  certain  peculiar  variations 
in  the   needle  of  the   compass  were   observed.     After 


not  realized  his 
le  log  or  record 
act,  for  his  own 
ly  each  day  for 
ews  might  not 
In  view  of  the 
iig  to  necessity, 
e  have  justified 
le  moral  crude- 
d,  it  would  not 
stigmatize  him 
ss  of  this  kind 

>ility  of  such  an 
)ilots  and  navi- 
>f  detecting  any 
tiow  incomplete 
ays.  The  eye 
tance  per  hour 
I  the  multiple. 
e  of  opinion  be- 
in  the  end  to 
ed  in  his  supe- 
rkable.  Then, 
Lssed  over  were 
ssels. 

large  fragment 
tons,  but  could 

history  of  that 
uliar  variations 
Dserved.     After 


VARIATION  OF  THE  COMPASS. 


87 


pointing  several  degrees  to»the  northeast  of  the  polar 
star  it  gradually  moved  westward  to  the  line  of  no 
variation,  and  then  beyond  to  the  westward.  This  was 
a  sufficient  cause  of  alarm  to  the  sailors.  Must  they 
not  now  be  in  some  part  of  the  world  where  the  ordinary 
laws  of  nature  did  not  operate,  and  where  the  forces  to 
be  met  could  not  be  calculated?* 

Columbus  cast  about  for  an  explanation.  He  told  his 
pilots  that  the  magnetic  needle  did  not  point  directly  to 
the  polar  star,  but  to  some  point  in  its  vicinity,  around 
which  that  body  itself  described  a  circle.  This  hypoth- 
esis quieted  their  fears,  and  in  course  of  time  satisfied 
Columbus  himself 

On  the  14th  the  men  on  the  N/na  saw  a  tropical  bird 
which  they  did  not  think  ever  went  more  than  twenty 
leagues  from  land. 

Imagine  the  intense  interest  with  which  the  changes 
in  sea  and  sky  must  have  been  noted  by  every  observ- 
ing person  in  the  crews !  On  the  night  of  the  14th  of 
September  a  flaming  meteor  went  streaming  through 
the  star-lit  heavens,  and  dropped  into  the  sea  only  a 
few  miles  distant.  In  thato- clear  atmosphere  of  the 
tropics,  and  on  the  immense  unbroken  expanse  of 
waters,  such  a  phenomenon  would  have  been  striking 
enough  to  any  one,  but  to  the  aflfrighted  imaginations 
of  t^ese  men  this  trailing  flame,  burning  for  twelve  or 
fifteen  seconds,  was  simply  terrific.  Again  it  was 
necessary  for  the  philosophic  resources  of  Columbus 
to  be  taxed  for  an  explanation. 

The  vessels  were  now  sailing  directly  in  the  current 

*  In  after  years  Columbus  thought  that  a  studjr  of  this  variation  of  the 
magnetic  needle  might  afford  a  ready  way  for  ascertaining  longitude,  the  line 
of  no  variation  being  a  meridian  line. 


88 


THE  TRADE-WINDS. 


of  the  trade-winds,  which,  including  a  belt  of  several 
degrees,  follows  the  sun  from  east  to  west.     This  in- 
teresting and  important  fact  in   nature  was  not  yet 
known,  and  it  seemed  strange  and  alarming  that  they 
should  have  no  variation  whatever  in  the  wind.     Would 
it  forever  drive   them   away   from   home,  and   never 
change,  so  as  to  make  their  return  possible  ?     Colum- 
bus, however,  was  all  confidence.      Having  no  sym- 
pathy whatever  with  these  fears,  he  was  simply  enjoy- 
ing the  amenity  of  nature,  as   the   wind   abaft   was 
wafting  them  over  a  quiet  sea,  without  the  necessity 
of  changing  a  sail  for  many   days.      On   the    i6th, 
occasional   showers   rendered  the  air  yet  more  salu- 
brious ;  and  to  the  keen  senses  of  our  seaman  there 
wanted  only  the  song  of  the  nightingale  to  make  the 
balmy  days  and  nights  like  those  in  Andalusia. 

The  next  thing  which  attracted  their  attention  was 
the  immense  tracts  of  sea-weeds,  or  Saragossa  Sea,  into 
which  they  suddenly  came.  Here,  too,  they  saw  some 
tunny  fishes' ;  and  Columbus  picked  up  a  live  crab. 
As  their  vessels  ploughed  through  the  weeds,  some  of 
the  timid  sailors  almost  looked  for  the  tree-tops  of 
sunken  islands ;  but  Columbus,  ever  ready  with  some 
analogy  found  in  the  ancient  classics,  now  recalled 
Aristotle's  account  of  the  ships  from  Cadiz,  which, 
sailing  along  by  the  straits  of  Gibraltar,  were  driven 
a  long  way  west  by  a  violent  east  wind,  and  encoun- 
tered immense  fields  of  weeds,  among  which  they  saw 
many  tunny  fishes.     It  could  not  be  possible  that  they 

iThetunnv  fi«h  is  a  huge  species  of  mackerel.  This  was  no  doubt  the 
tunny  of  Europe,  attaining  a  length  of  15  to  20  feet,  and  sometimes  weighing 
,,000  pounds,  a  food-fish  which  these  sailors  must  have  met  previously  in  the 
Mediterranean. 


C 


BIRD  TOKENS. 


89 


belt  of  several 
vest.  This  iii- 
e  was  not  yet 
tiiiiig  that  they 

wind.  Would 
lie,  and  never 
iible  ?  Coluni- 
aving  no  syni- 
3  simply  enjoy- 
and  abaft  was 
t  the  necessity 

On  the  1 6th, 
yet  more  salu- 
r  seaman  there 
ale  to  make  the 
tidalusia. 
r  attention  was 
agossa  Sea,  into 
,  they  saw  some 

up  a  live  crab. 

weeds,  some  of 
the  tree-tops  of 
-eady  with  some 
:s,  now  recalled 
a  Cadiz,  which, 
tar,  were  driven 
id,  and  encoun- 
which  they  saw 
ossible  that  they 

'his  was  no  doubt  the 
id  sometimes  weighing 
,re  met  previously'  in  the 


had  yet  reached  India  ;  but  these  weeds  must  have 
been  torn  by  the  storms  from  rocks  and  river-banks, 
and  they  were  no  doubt  approaching  some  of  the  vari- 
ous islands  which  Toscanelli  had  laid  down  on  his  map 
as  lying  en  route  to  Mangi  and  Cathay.  How  complete 
was  the  delusion  of  our  hero  as  to  the  nearness  of  the 
shores  of  Eastern  Asia  ! 

About  this  time  several  species  of  birds  were  seen  ; 
but  the  accounts  are  so  imperfect  as  to  make  it  im- 
possible to  identify  them.  The  alcatraz,  now  flying 
about  the  vessels,  must  have  been  a  species  of  gull ; 
and  the  mho  de  Jtoico^  with  long  feathers  in  the  centre 
of  the  tail,  called  rush-tail  by  the  Spaniards  and  straw- 
tail  by  the  French,  was  probably  the  elegant  tropic- 
bird — possibly  a  species  of  skua.  As  to  the  land-birds 
which  they  thought  spent  part  of  the  night  on  board 
ship  about  the  20th,  they  must  have  been  mistaken, 
for  they  were  now  about  midway  from  the  Canaries  to 
the  West  Indies.    . 

Again  they  had  reached  clear  water,  and  the  ships 
were  crowding  all  sail.  The  steady  wind  was  carrying 
them  along  swiftly  over  a  sea  as  smooth  as  glass,  and 
every  eye  was  on  the  alert,  hoping  to  gain  the  annual 
pension  of  ten  thousand  maravedis  which  the  sover- 
eigns had  promised  to  him  who  should  first  see  land. 
The  Pinta,  being  the  swiftest  sailor,  kept  ahead. 
Clouds  of  birds  were  flying  toward  the  north,  and  Mar- 
tin Alonzo  Piuzon  thought  he  saw  land  in  that  direc- 
tion, but  Columbus  kept  steadily  to  the  west,  believing, 
as  heretofore,  that  land  was  surely  to  be  found  in  that 
course. 

On  the  2  2d  the  wind  was   from  the  west,  and  the 


90 


THE  MUTINI 


ships  were  oblijred  to  tack  to  the  northwest.  1  us 
cheered  Columbus,  aud  he  wrote  iu  his  journal :  ''  This 
wind  was  verv  necessary  to  me,  for  my  crew  had  grown 
much  alarmed,  dreading  that  they  never  should  meet 
in  these  seas  with  a  fair  wind  to  return  to  Spam." 

By  and  by  the  wind  nearly  died  away,  and  the  un- 
easy crew  began  to  gather  in  knots,  and  to  discuss  the 
necessity  of  turning  back.     They  had  come  far  enough 
to  test  the  wild  notion  of  land  in  the  west ;  the  cook 
was  reporting  the  provisions  as  fully  half  consumed ; 
the  vessels  were  beginning  to  show  the  effects  of  the 
long  voyage  ;   the  chances  of  being  able  to  reach  home 
were  slender  enough  now ;  what  hope  of  return  would 
they  have  if  they  still  continued  the  mad  voyage  ?    As 
to  Columbus,  he  was  a  mere  visionary,  his  head  so 
turned  with  his  wild  notion  that  he  set  no  value  on 
his  life  anyway.     But  they  need  not  be  over  particular 
about  him.     He  had  but  few  friends  and  not  a  few  en- 
emies.   They  might  push  him  overboard,  and  say  he  fell 
into  the  sea  while  indulging  his  constant  habit  of  gaz- 
ing at  the  stars.     No  one  would  lay  the  matter  to  heart 
or  ask  close  questions  about  him  ;  and  they  would  be 
looked  upon  as  heroes,  who,  having  explored  the  wide 
ocean,  had  settled  the  fact  that  land  was  not  to  be 
found  to  the  westward. 

The  Admiral  overheard  their  mutterings  and  noticed 
their  "  black  looks  ;"  but  he  resolved  to  be  firm  and 
risk  his  life  if  necessary.  "  The  sea  was  calm  because 
they  were  approaching  land,"  he  said.  "  Did  they  not 
notice  the  many  flights  of  birds  and  other  signs  of 
landfall  ?  "  Again  he  would  remind  them  of  the  dis- 
pleasure of  the  sovereigns  and  the  punishment  due 
them  if  they  hindered  the  voyage. 


LAXD!     f.AXm 


91 


rtlnvest.     This 
Mirnal:  "This 
:rew  had  grown 
er  should  meet 
to  Spain." 
ay,  and  the  un- 
\  to  discuss  the 
ome  far  enough 
west ;  the  cook 
lalf  consumed ; 
e  effects  of  the 
e  to  reach  home 
3f  return  would 
ad  voyage  ?    As 
ry,  his  head  so 
,et  no  value  on 
:  overparticular 
id  not  a  few  en- 
d,  and  say  he  fell 
mt  habit  of  gaz- 
e  matter  to  heart 
i  they  would  be 
xplored  the  wide 
was  not  to  be 

rings  and  noticed 
1  to  be  firm  and 
vras  calm  because 
"  Did  they  not 
i  other  signs  of 
them  of  the  dis- 
punishment  due 


But  on  the  25th  of  September  the  wind  favored 
them  again,  and,  us  there  is  ''  nothing  like  a  freshening 
bree/e,"  a  better  spirit  prevailed.  The  vessels  sailed 
close  together,  so  closely  that  Columbus  and  Martin 
Alonzo  Pinzon  chatted  familiarly,  and  the  latter  tossed 
to  the  former  a  chart  loaned  him  some  days  before, 
and  now  secured  by  a  cord  as  it  passed  from  one 
vessel  to  the  other.  "  According  to  this  map,"  said 
Martin  Alonzo,  "  we  should  now  be  near  Cipango  and 
the  other  islands  near  it."  "  That  is  quite  possible," 
said  Columbus,  "  but,  on  the  other  hand,  the  ships  may 
have  been  turned  somewhat  from  their  proper  course 
by  the  strong  currents  so  apparent,  or  the  pilots  may 
be  mistaken  in  their  reckoning,  and  we  may  not  have 
sailed  so  far  as  they  report." 

Now  Columbus  and  his  officers  on  the  Santa  Maria 
gather  about  the  map,  and  try  to  make  out  their  exact 
present  position  in  the  ocean ;  and  soon  they  are 
startled  by  a  shout  from  the  Pinta,  "  Land !  Land ! 
Sefior,  I  claim  my  reward !  "  cried  Martin  Alonzo  Pin- 
zon,  from  the  high  stern  of  his  vessel,  and  pointing  to 
the  southwest,  where  there  was  indeed  the  appearance 
of  land  in  the  distance.  Columbus  fell  upon  his 
knees  and  devoutly  thanked  God.  Martin  Alonzo 
as  devoutly  repeated  the  Gloria  in  cxcelsis^  the  several 
crews  within  the  range  of  his  voice  joining  in  solemn 
concert. 

Now  every  heart  beat  with  joyful  expectation.  The 
sailors  scrambled  to  the  mast-head  and  clung  about 
the  rigging,  straining  their  eyes  for  a  glimpse  of  the 
supposed  land.  Throughout  the  night  Columbus 
stood  the  ships  in  that  direction,  but  the   morning 


9« 


aoon  { iiEER. 


V. 


revealed  notliiiiK^  save  the  wild  stretch  of  the  ocean. 
They  had  been  allured  hy  a  deceptive  eveiiiiiK  ^loud. 
Aj^ain  they  sailed  westward. 

But   this   delusiuu   seems   to   have  done  the  sailors 
j-ood.       They    are    decidedly    cheerrul,    and    as    the 
weather  is  mild  and  the  sea  delightfully  tranquil  for 
several  days,  they  amuse  themselves  by  jumping  over- 
hoard   and  swimming  abreast  the   ships.      Schools  of 
dolphins  raise  their  backs  out  of  the  waters,  and  there  is 
:in  al)nndance  of  flying-fishes,  "  which  arc  about  a  span 
long,  and  have  two  little  wings  like  a  bat ;  they  fly 
about  a  pike  high  from   the  water,  and  a  musket-shot 
in  length,  more  or  less,  and  sometimes  they  drop  upon 
the  ships."       Here,  too,  they  see  schools  of  fishes  with 
"  gilt  backs,"  some  of  which  they  catch.     Are  not  the 
flights  of  various  birds  also  increasing  ?    The  elegant 
tropic-birds,    the    jfcgers    chasing   the    pelicans    and 
gulls   and  forcing  them  to  disgorge  their  food,  are  all 
species  which  do  not  go  more  than  twenty  leagues  from 
land.     wSigns  of  land   increase   and   every   one   feels 
happy.     Every  now  and  then  the  cry  of  *'land"  is 
heard,  until   the    false    report   becomes   demoralizing, 
and  it  is  necessary  for  the  Admiral  to  afiirm  that,  if 
any   one's   announcement  does    not    prove    true    after 
three  days'  sailing,  he  shall  forfeit  the  reward,  even 
though  he  may  afterwards  sight  land  first.     But  the 
Nina,  sailing  ahead,  becomes  assured.      On  Sunday 
morning,  October  7th,  at  sunrise,  she  hoi.sts  a  flag  and 
fires  a  gun  in  signal  of  land ;  but  again  all  signs  fail. 
A  general  depression  now  steals  over  the  crews,  and 
even  Martin  Alonzo  Pinzon  begins  to  doubt  whether 
they  are  sailing  in  the  right  direction. 


V; 


■>--">- '-m » iiifww!HimiaiM|g[(i'nw>f""  •'"•-  - 


77//':  A'/tCA'OX/\(;. 


93 


of  the  ocean, 
eveninj^'  cloud. 

:)iie  the  sailors 
,  and  as  the 
lly  tranquil  for 
'  jumping  ovcr- 
)S.  Schools  of 
?rs,  and  there  is 
re  about  a  span 
a  bat ;  they  fly 
a  niusket-shot 
they  drop  upon 
Is  of  fishes  with 
;i.  Are  not  the 
?  The  elegant 
pelicans  and 
eir  food,  are  all 
ty  leagues  from 
very  one  feels 
■/  of  "land"  is 
5   demoralizing, 

0  affirm  that,  if 
rove  true  after 
le  reward,  even 

1  first.  But  the 
[.  On  Sunday 
ioi.sts  a  flag  and 
n  all  signs  fail, 
r  the  crews,  and 
I  doubt  whether 


They  had  now  sailed,  according  to  Columl)Us's  private 
reckoning  some  707  leagues.  His  open  figures  were 
58.1  ;  his  pilot's,  57S ;  the  reckoning  of  the  jV///<i,  two 
days  later,  was  540  leagues  ;  that  of  the  l^i'uta,  6;^4. 
All  knew  that  they  had  sailed  a  great  distance,  but 
just  as  the  crews  were  l)ecoming  desperate  the  small 
land-birds  began  to  fly  in  clouds  to  the  southwest. 
This  was  a  sure  sign  of  land.  Had  not  the  Portuguese 
been  constantly  guided  by  the  flight  of  land-birds  in 
discovering  the  islands  off  the  west  coast  of  Africa? 
These  birds  are  going  southwest  to  spend  the  night, 
or  are  migrating  for  the  winter.  Colum])us,  on  the 
evening  of  this  same  Sunday,  bent  his  course  to  the 
southwest,  thus  conforming  to  the  bird-omen,  and  at 
the  same  time  gratifying  his  men. 

And  the  small  land-birds  continue  to  fly,  many  of 
them  bright  and  beautiful  in  color.  Some  alight 
familiarly  about  the  rigging  of  the  ships,  and  one  can 
hear  their  notes  as  they  pass  over  at  night.  Even  the 
heron,  the  pelican,  and  the  duck  which  they  see,  all 
fly  in  the  same  southvvestward  course,  and  the 
Admiral's  keen  sense  of  smell  seems  to  detect  the 
fragrance  of  breezes  from  off  the  land. 

Notwithstanding  all  these  signs  of  landfall,  on  the 
evening  of  the  third  day  of  sailing  in  this  direction,  as 
the  sun  sank  into  a  "  shoreless  ocean,"  there  began  to  be 
3  universal  clamor  to  put  about  the  ships  and  return 
home.  '  •' 

Columbus  attempted  to  reason  with  the  discontents, 
but  finding  it  useless  he  became  peremptory,  and 
declared  that  as  the  sovereigns  had  sent  them  out  to 
find  land,  and  as  the  signs  of  land  were  constantly 


94 


SIGNS  OF  LAND. 


multiplying,  they  would  not  return  until  they  had 
fulfilled  their  mission.  The  notion  that  he  compro- 
mised with  them,  and  promised  to  return  if  they  did 
not  find  land  in  three  days,  is  not  in  accordance  with 
the  evidences  in  the  case,  and  has  been  discarded  by 
every  competent  critic. 

Thick  and  fast  now  come  the  facts  in  support  of  Co- 
lumbus. Fre?l>water  alga;  appeared,  and  a  kind  of 
green  fish  keeping  about  rocks  in  rivers.  Who  could 
discredit  that  fresh  branch  of  thorn  ornamented  with 
bright  red  berries  ? — or  that  green  rush  floating  by  ? — 
or  that  bit  of  board  ?— or  that  staff  so  skilfully  carved  ? 
As  these  v/elcome  objects  were  picked  up  from  the 
waters,  and  parsed  around  among  the  admiring  crews, 
no  one  any  longer  doubted ;  and  every  one  was  on  a 
sharp  lookout  for  the  much-desired  land. 

Impressive  indeed  must  have  been  that  memorable 
evening  of  October  nth,  before  the  landfall.  A  fresh 
breeze  was  wafting  the  vessels  swiftly  over  a  tranquil 
sea,  and  the  evening  sky  was  bright  above  them.  As 
usual,  the  sailors  had  sung  their  evening  hymn  to  the 
Virgin.  Then  Columbus  addressed  his  crew.  His 
whole  being  was  deeply  moved,  and  he  spoke  like  one 
intensely  conscious  of  some  great  event  just  at  hand. 
He  was  assured  that  the  momentous  achievement  for 
which  his  whole  life  had  been  a  struggle  was  within 
a  few  hours  of  its  consummation.  Kvery  fibre  of  his 
being  must  have  vibrated  to  his  words,  as  he  reminded 
those  about  him  of  the  smooth  sea  over  which,  in  the 
providence  of  God,  they  had  sailed  with  a  favoring 
breeze  for  so  many  days ;  of  the  many  signs  of  land 
which  had  cheered  their  hopes  in  time  of  depression  ; 


THE  LIGHT. 


95 


until  they  had 
hat  he  compro- 
:turn  if  they  did 
accordance  with 
jen  discarded  by 

n  support  of  Co- 
,  and  a  kind  of 
rs.  Who  could 
ornamented  with 
h  floating  by  ? — 
skilfully  carved  ? 
ed  up  from   the 

admiring  crews, 
iry  one  was  on  a 
id. 

that  memorable 
mdfall.  A  fresh 
y  over  a  tranquil 
ibove  them.  As 
ing  hymn  to  the 

his  crew.  His 
le  spoke  like  one 
ent  just  at  hand. 
;  achievement  for 
iggle  was  within 
^very  fibre  of  his 
J,  as  he  reminded 
irer  which,  in  the 

with  a  favoring 
ny  signs  of  land 
ae  of  depression ; 


of  his  expectation,  on  leaving  the  Canaries,  of  finding 
land  when  they  should  have  sailed  westward  seven 
hundred  leagues.  He  believed  they  would  sight  land 
that  night,  and  promised  a  velvet  doublet  as  an  ad- 
ditional reward  to  that  promised  by  the  monarchs  to 
him  who  should  first  announce  the  landfall. 

Throughout  the  day  there  was  a  heavier  sea  than 
they  had  seen  in  all  the  voyage,  and  they  had  sailed 
more  rapidly  than  usual ;  and  now,  as  the  night  set- 
tled down  upon  them,  the  vessels  were  still  speeding 
their  course  through  the  swelling  waves  at  an  un- 
wonted rate,  the  Pinta  leading  the  way.  A  delightful 
animation  prevailed.  Every  eye  was  on  the  alert.  Co- 
lumbus had  seated  himself  on  the  lofty  cabin  at  the 
stem  of  his  vessel.  No  one  slept  that  night.  Every 
bosom  swelled  with  an  unbounded  expectation.  A  new 
world  was  just  at  hand  !  What  sort  of  a  world  would 
it  be? 

About  ten  o'clock  Columbus  thought  he  saw  a  light. 
He  called  one  of  his  principal  men,  Pedro  Gutierrez, 
and  he  also  thought  he  saw  it.  He  then  called  a  sec- 
ond person,  Rodrigo  Sanchez,  who,  after  a  time,  was 
equally  fortunate.  The  light  rose  and  fell,  like  a 
torch  in  a  boat  tossed  upon  the  water.  Evidently  the 
gleam  of  this  distant  luminary  was  faint,  and  made 
certain,  or  perhaps  barely  probable,  by  the  observations 
of  the  three. 

At  two  o'clock  in  the  morning  the  Pinta  fired  a  gun 
in  signal  of  land.  Rodrigo  de  Treana  was  the  fortunate 
observer  whose  eye  first  detected  the  almost  even  out- 
line of  an  island  along  the  horizon,  about  two  leagues 
distant.     There  is  no  friend  of  Columbus  but  will  re- 


96 


LAND  INDEED. 


^ 


eret  that  he  should  afterwards  have  accepted  the  re- 
ward as  adjudged  to  himself,  simply  because  he  saw  a 
light  Who  would  not  sympathize  with  this  poor 
sailor,  not  only  for  the  loss  of  his  ten  thousand  mara- 
vedis  and  velvet  doublet,  but  for  the  loss  of  that  honor- 
able  distinction  which  his  watchfulness  and  good-luck 
so  richly  deserved?  It  is  said  he  was  so  chagrined 
that  he  forsook  his  country  and  his  religion  and,  go- 
ino-  into  Africa,  turned  Mussulman. 

This  time  there  could  be  no  mistake.  There  lay  the 
long,  level,  forest-clad  island,  its  silvery  lights  and 
dark  shadows  made  clear  by  the  large  moon  standing 

hieh  overhead.  r    i  j 

They  cast  their  anchors.  "  All  sails  were  furled, 
leaving  only  the  stormsail,  which  is  the  square  sail 
without  bonnets,  and  they  lay  hove-to,  awaiting  the 

day."     {Columbus.) 

"  When  I  regard  this  achievement,"  says  Castelar, 
"  the  most  living,  evident,  and  effulgent  lesson  it  bears 
is  the  triumph  of  faith.  To  cross  the  seas  of  life, 
naught  suffices  save  the  bark  of  faith.  In  that  bark 
the  undoubting  Columbus  set  sail,  and  at  his  journey's 
end  found  a  new  world.  Had  that  world  nut  then  ex- 
isted, God  would  have  created  it  in  the  solitude  of  the 
Atlantic,  if  to  no  other  end  than  to  reward  the  faith 
and  the  constancy  of  that  great  man." 


mid 


ft 


ccepted  the  re- 
cause  he  saw  a 
viih  this  poor 
tiousand  mara- 
5  of  that  honor- 
atid  good-luck 
IS  so  chagrined 
;ligion  and,  go- 
There  lay  the 
'ery  lights  and 
moon  standing 

Is  were  furled, 
the  square  sail 

0,  awaiting  the 

'  says  Castelar, 
It  lesson  it  bears 
he   seas  of  life, 

1.  In  that  bark 
at  his  journey's 

rid  not  then  ex- 
;  solitude  of  the 
reward  the  faith 


CHAPTER  VI. 


THE   FIRST    LANDING. 


O  one  loitered  on  this  bright  morning  of  the 
1 2th  of  October.  In  the  gray  dawn,  the  na- 
tives, watching  from  the  shore,  could  see  the 
ships — gigantic  phantoms  in  their  eyes.  Then  they 
beheld  the  boat  manned  and  nearing  the  shore.  At 
the  command  of  Columbus,  the  crews  had  all  been  reg- 
ularly attired  for  the  occasion.  The  leading  person- 
ages, at  least,  were  probably  clad  in  armor  of  glistening 
steel ;  while  he,  standing  in  the  bow  of  the  long  boat, 
and  giving  to  the  morning  breeze  the  flag  of  Castile, 
wore,  in  addition,  some  scarf  or  drapery  of  bright 
scarlet.  The  Pinzons  bore  "  the  two  flags  of  the  green 
cross,  which  the  Admiral  carried  on  all  the  ships  as 
signals,  having  an  F  and  a  Y,  and  above  each  letter  a 
crown,  one  on  one  side  of  the  cross  and  the  other  on 
the  other."  Bright  Castilian  plumes  waved,  and  much 
of  the  details  of  dress  was  in  the  brilliant  colors  of  the 
age.  Quite  unlike  the  still  paddle  of  the  Indian's 
canoe  was  the  united  plash  of  the  double  row  of  long 
oars. 

They  reached  the  shore  in  that  most  delightful  part 
of  a  bright  day — at  sunrise.  Gorgeous  must  have  been 
the  tints  of  that  early  hour  in  the  tropics.  The  tall, 
majestic  trees  were  clad  in  an  exuberant  foliage,  the 
most  novel  and  strikingly  varied  in  form.  The  hu- 
mid atmosphere  was  laden  with  grateful  odors.     The 


98 


THE  LANDING. 


happy  birds  were  giving  their  iiiatiti  song.  Colum- 
bus, whose  senses  are  said  to  have  been  remarkably 
acute,  and  who  possessed  the  brilliant  imagination 
and  high  sensibility  of  the  poet,  would  not  only  com- 
prehend the  grand  scene,  but  would  invest  it  with  the 
varied  charms  of  his  own  bright  fa'icy.  It  was  per- 
haps the  supreme  moment  of  his  life.  A  happier 
hour  he  could  scarcely  have  known  than  when  he 
stepped  on  the  shores  of  that  new  world  which  his 
imagination  had  so  long  beheld  in  the  distance. 

When  he  landed  he  fell  on  his  knees,  then  forward 
upon  his  face,  kissed  the  earth,  returned  thanks  to 
God,   and,   with   tears   of  joy,   offered   the  following 
prayer :     "  Lord  God,  eternal  and  omnipotent,  by  thy 
sacred  word  the  heavens,  the  earth,  and  the  sea  were 
created  ;  blessed  and  glorified  be  thy  name,  praised  be 
thy  majesty,  which  is  exalted  through  thy   humble 
servant,  in  that  by  him  thy  sacred  name  may  be  made 
known  and  declared  in  this  remote  part  of  the  earth."  ^ 
In  this  solemn  act  of    devotion  he  was  cordially 
joined  by  the  whole  company.     Rising  to  his  feet,  he 
drew  his  sword  and  planted  the  standard  of  Castile, 
thus  taking  possession  of  the  new  country  in  the  name 
of  the  sovereigns  of  Spain.     In  accordance  with  the 
pious  emotions  of  the  hour,  San  Salvador,  or  Holy 
Saviour,"  was  announced  as  the  name  of  this  island, 
which  the  natives  called  Guanahani. 

»  By  order  of  the  sovereigns  of  Spain,  this  same  prayer  was  afterwards  used 
by  Balboa,  Cortez,  and  Pizarro  in  their  discoveries. 

•  Following  the  oldest  maps  and  the  description  by  Columbus,  it  becomes 
clear  that  Walling's  Island  and  not  the  present  San  Salvador  is  Guanahani, 
on  which  the  great  discoverer  first  landed.  See  R.  H.  Major's  Select  Letters 
on  Columbus,  pp.  60, 61,  Introduction.  See  also  Becker's  Landfall  of  Colum- 
bus and  Cronau's  Amerika. 


ab( 

stc 
ho 
sid 
rei 
su: 
ful 
coi 
th( 
vie 

on 

thi 
sh( 
no 
on 
ha 
th< 
wil 
ku 
fa^ 
coi 

titi 
Ad 
pe( 
tia 
clc 


agi 

latt 


song.     Coliim- 
en  remarkably 
it   imagination 
not  only  com- 
v^est  it  with  the 
'.     It  was  per- 
e.      A   happier 
than  when  he 
orld  which  his 
iistance. 
s,  then  forward 
ned  thanks  to 
the  following 
lipotent,  by  thy 
d  the  sea  were 
anie,  praised  be 
rh  thy   humble 
le  may  be  made 
:  of  the  earth."  ^ 
i  was  cordially 
g  to  his  feet,  he 
dard  of  Castile, 
itry  in  the  name 
rdance  with  the 
vador,  or  Holy 
i  of  this  island, 

fer  was  afterwards  used 

Columbus,  it  becomes 

lalvador  is  Guanahani, 

Major's  Select  Letters 

er's  Landfall  of  Colum- 


APOLOGIES  AND  ENTIiEATJES. 


99 


The  several  crews,  with  their  officers,  now  gathered 
about  him  somewhat  in  the  order  of  rank.  Near  him 
stood  the  Pinzon  brothers,  his  associate  captains,  each 
holding  a  banner  of  the  green  cross,*  having  on  one 
side  the  letter  F,  and  on  the  other  side  the  letter  Y,  to 
represent  Fernando  and  Ysabel.  Bright  golden  crowns 
surmounted  or  in  some  way  ornamented  these  beauti- 
ful standards.  Other  officers  found  their  places  ac- 
cording to  their  importance  and  rank.  All  now  gave 
the  oath  of  allegiance  to  Columbus  as  admiral  and 
viceroy  of  the  new  country. 

The  scene  which  now  followed  must  have  been  at 
once  amusing  and  gratifying  to  those  who  sympa- 
thized with  the  Admiral.  The  craven  souls  who  had 
shown  disrespect  and  even  malice  toward  him  were 
now  all  suddenly  turned  about.  Pressing  upon  him 
on  every  side,  some  embracing  him,  some  kissing  his 
hands,  some  kneeling  at  his  feet,  they  acknowledged 
their  faults,  and  begged  his  pardon.  Some,  impressed 
with  his  dignit}'  and  authority,  which  all  had  just  ac- 
knowleged,  asked  to  be  remembered  in  respect  to  such 
favors  as  he  in  his  high  position  might  be  able  to 
confer. 

During  the  ceremonies,  Herrera  says,  a  great  mul- 
titude of  the  natives  were  looking  on,  and  that  the 
Admiral,  believing  them  to  be  "  a  gentle  and  simple 
people,  and  seeing  them  stand  gazing  on  the  Chris- 
tians, astonished  at  their  beards,  white  faces,  and 
clothes,  gave  them  some   red  caps,  glass  beads,  and 

>  It  is  difficult  to  tell  from  the  original  account  whether  this  is  a  banner  with 
a  green  cross,  or  a  green  banner  in  the  shape  of  a  cross.  I  think  it  was  the 
latter. 


lOO 


CHARACTER  OF  THE  NATIVES. 


such  like  things,  which  they  highly  valued ;  the 
Spaniards  no  less  admiring  those  people,  their  mien 
and  shape." 

Probably  no  man  was  ever  more  disappointed  than 
was  Columbus  in  the  character  of  the  people  whom  he 
found  in  this  new  country.  His  imagination  had 
teemed  with  the  brilliant  conceptions  of  oriental  life — 
costly  apparel,  ornaments  of  gold  and  precious  stones, 
palatial  residences  and  splendid  appointments  in  gen- 
eral, but  here  were  only  naked  savages,  tattooed  and 
painted  in  the  most  hideous  styles,  and  living  in  wig- 
wams, or  at  most  in  mere  huts  and  hovels.  Nothing 
could  be  further  removed  from  the  supposed  luxuries 
of  India  than  the  simple  and  destitute  manner  of  life 
among  these  aborigines. 

And  yet  there  was  something  fascinating  in  their 
native  strength  and  beauty  and  in  their  simple  ways. 
Their  stalwart  and  well-rounded  forms,  their  bold 
features,  bright  eyes,  and  exuberant  black  hair,  and 
their  clear  brown  complexion  when  not  spoiled  with 
paint,  were  all  exceedingly  impressive.  Not  a  few  of 
these  people  were  really  beautiful.  And,  having  a  fair 
conception  of  that  grand  triad  of  human  knowledge — 
the  personality  of  God,  the  immortality  of  the  soul, 
and  moral  accountability — they  were  by  no  means  a 
low  order  of  savage.  Then,  this  innocent  nakedness, 
dwelling  in  booths,  feeding  upon  the  simple  and  spon- 
taneous products  of  nature,  and  almost  having  every- 
thing in  common,  was  it  not  precisely  that  life  of 
happy  ease  and  freedon  from  care  which  poets,  philos- 
ophers, and  artists  love  to  depict  ?  Columbus,  suppos- 
ing that  he  was  in  some  of  the  ruder  outskirts  of 


In 
lil 
hi 
m 

we 
foi 
sa 
its 
foi 
ca 
wl 
In 
we 
an 
sti 
th 
he 
se< 
vi( 
ha 

ap 

ge 
coi 

we 

bo 

ha 

enti 
sub 
inqi 
the 


rvES. 

valued  ;    the 
Die,  their  mien 

appointed  than 
eople  whom  he 
lagination  had 
"  oriental  life — 
)recions  stones, 
tments  in  gen- 
js,  tattooed  and 
i  living  in  wig- 
vels.  Nothing 
(posed  luxuries 
manner  of  life 

nating  in  their 
ir  simple  ways, 
ms,  their  bold 
Dlack  hair,  and 
oi  spoiled  with 
;.  Not  a  few  of 
id,  having  a  fair 
n  knowledge — 
ity  of  the  soul, 
by  no  means  a 
:ent  nakedness, 
imple  and  spon- 
i  having  every- 
t\y  that  life  of 
ch  poets,  philos- 
lumbus,  suppos- 
ier  outskirts  of 


SUliPJUSE  or  THE  NATIVES. 


lOI 


India,  called  these  people  Indians,  and,  as  nothing  sticks 
like  a  name,  they  are  called  so  to  this  day,  though  for 
hundreds  of  years  the  world  has  known  Columbus's 
mistake. 

When  the  Spaniards  and  the  Indians  met,  the  latter 
were,  of  course,  even  more  astounded  than  the  former, 
for  they  were  taken  entirely  by  surprise.  That  huge 
sailing  craft,  gliding  so  majestically  over  the  water  as 
its  canvas  was  swelled  by  the  breeze,  was  something 
for  which  they  had  no  name,  and  which  they  supposed 
came  from  some  other  world.  The  white  men's  beards 
which  they  stroked  and  examined  so  curiously — the 
Indians  had  no  beards — and  their  white  skins,  surely 
were  not  of  this  world.  Then  the  superior  intelligence 
and  grace  of  culture,  which  some  at  least  of  these 
strangers  manifested,  could  but  confirm  their  notion 
that  these  wonderful  people  had  come  down  from 
heaven.  "  They  cried  with  loud  voices :  '  Come  and 
see  the  men  who  have  come  from  heaven.  Bring  them 
victuals  and  drink.'  "*  Would  that  they  might  never 
have  had  occasion  to  change  their  opinion ! 

At  first  the  natives  fled  away  in  fear,  as  the  boats 
approached  the  shore ;  but,  after  gazing  on  the  stran- 
gers cautiously  at  a  distance,  they  somehow  gained 
confidence,  and  graduallj-^  approached  them.  They 
were  harmless,  gentle  creatures.  The  few  that  carried 
bows  and  arrows,  or  wooden  lances  with  the  points 
hardened  in  the  fire  or  tipped  with  a  bit  of  flint  or  the 

'  "The  idea  that  the  white  men  came  down  from  heaven  was  universally 
entertained  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  New  World.  When,  in  the  course  of 
subsequent  voyages,  the  Spaniards  conversed  with  the  Cacique  Nicaragua,  he 
inquired  how  they  came  down  from  the  skies,  whether  flying,  or  whether 
they  descended  on  the  clouds." — Irving  iroxa  Herrera. 


'.mmmmisiimmmmmtmmmmmthmmmmtimmm^iimmmmmitm^ 


T02 


PRESENTS  rO  THE  NATIVES. 


tooth  or  bones  of  a  fish,  were  not  disposed  to  nse  these 
weapons.  They  had  no  iron  implements  of  any  kind, 
and  evidently  were  not  practised  in  warfare.  Columbus 
was  impressed  with  their  simplicity  when,  on  handing 
them  a  sword,  they  grasped  it  by  the  edge  and  cut 
themselves.  How  excited  they  were  when  Columbus 
opened  up  his  treasures— gay  caps,  bright  colored 
glass  beads,  little  tinkling  bells,  such  as  those  devoted 
to  falconry  put  on  their  hawks.  He  had  learned  the 
importance  of  such  trifles  from  the  experiences  of  the 
Portuguese  on  the  coasts  of  Africa.  Nothing  takes 
the  eye  of  a  savage  like  bright  colors,  and  those  tiny 
bells  were  perhaps  the  nearest  approach  to  a  musical 
instrument  they  had  ever  heard.  How  their  eyes 
sparkled  with  delight  as  they  put  the  beads  around 
their  necks,  and  how  gleefully  they  skipped  about  when 
they  jingled  the  bells  ! 

The  news  soon  spread.  At  the  early  dawn  of  the 
next  morning  the  natives  came  in  crowds,  and  were  so 
eager  to  get  to  the  ships  that  some  of  them,  plunging 
into  the  water,  swam  out  to  the  Spaniards ;  but  most 
of  them  came  in  their  canoes,  hollowed  out  from  a 
single  tree  in  the  form  of  a  tray,  some  of  which  held 
fifty  persons.  "They  rowed  with  an  oar  like  a  baker's 
peel,  and  wonderfully  swift."  In  the  great  rush  of  the 
crowd  some  of  these  canoes  were  upset;  but  the 
owners  swam  like  fishes,  and  in  a  few  minntes  had 
righted  them,  bailed  them  out  with  their  calabashes, 
and  were  paddling  along  again,  without  the  incon- 
venience of  wet  clothes. 

True  to  the  nature  of  the  savage,  they  all  wanted 
gew^-gaws  and  ornaments.    They  had  not  come  to  beg, 


h( 
w 
w 
ro 
at 
ct 

Vi 

fo 

th 
N 
ia 
tr 
or 

V( 

sii 

Wi 

m 
to 

th 

Pl 
m 

m 

m 

sc 

se 

CO 

G 


del 


VES. 


BARTERING    WITH  THE  NATIVES. 


103 


>ed  to  use  these 
ts  of  any  kind, 
ire.  Columbus 
en,  on  handing 
edge  and  cut 
rhen  Columbus 
bright  colored 
s  those  devoted 
lad  learned  the 
eriences  of  the 
Nothing  takes 
and  those  tiny 
:h  to  a  musical 
^ow  their  eyes 
t  beads  around 
)ped  about  when 

•ly  dawn  of  the 
rds,  and  were  so 
them,  plunging 
ards;  but  most 
ved  out  from  a 
I  of  which  held 
ar  like  a  baker's 
yreat  rush  of  the 
upset;  but  the 
iw  minutes  had 
tieir  calabashes, 
bout  the  incon- 

they  all  wanted 
not  come  to  beg, 


however,  but  to  buy.  If  their  articles  of  exchange 
were  few  in  number,  they  were  all  the  more  liberal 
with  them  as  to  quantity.  They  brought  tamed  par- 
rots in  great  numbers,  immense  balls  of  cotton  yarn, 
and  bread  called  cassava,*  made  from  a  root  which  they 
cultivated.  As  they  had  no  conception  of  comparative 
values,  they  gave  great  quantities  of  their  commodities 
for  a  few  trifles. 

What  kind  of  ornaments  are  those  which  some  of 
these  savages  wear  in  their  noses?  Ah,  that  is  gold  1 
Nothing  could  more  inflame  the  breasts  of  these  Span- 
iards than  gold !  So  the  hawk's  bells  and  other 
trinkets  were  freely  exchanged  for  this  precious  metal, 
on  which  the  natives  seemed  to  set  but  little  value. 

All  this  bartering  was  carried  on  at  a  great  incon- 
venience, for  the  parties  could  communicate  only  by 
signs.  As  gold  was  the  one  thing  above  all  others 
wanted  in  Spain,  Columbus  pressed  the  natives  to 
make  known  where  they  obtained  it.  They  pointed 
to  the  southwest.  They  also  gave  him  the  impression 
that  there  was  land  in  the  northwest,  whence  the  peo- 
ple came  to  the  southwest  for  gold.  These  vague  com- 
munications could  readily  be  misconstrued  by  the  Ad- 
miral's vivid  imagination.  He  felt  assured  that  he 
must  be  in  the  rich  country  which  Marco  Polo  had  de- 
scribed ;  and  a  certain  king  which  the  Indians  repre- 
sented as  living  in  a  house,  the  roof  of  which  was 
covered  with  plates  of  gold,  lie  believed  to  be  the 
Grand  Khan  of  Tartary. 

Having  explored  the  island  and  become  satisfied 

*  A  bread  very  ingeniously  made  from  the  yucca  root,  from  which  is  also 
derived  our  tapioca. 


m^. 


104 


C II Mi  MING  SCENERY. 


that  it  was  not  in  all  respects  suitable  for  a  colony,  he 
left  on  the  evening  of  the  14th,  taking  seven  natives 
as  guides.  As  they  thread  their  way  through  this 
labyrinth  of  tropical  islands,  everything  is  strikingly 
novel  and  strongly  characterized.  The  immense  trees 
are  enshrouded  in  the  densest  foliage ;  exuberant 
vines  drape  and  festoon  them  in  various  directions  ; 
flowers  of  every  form  and  hue  decorate  the  landscape  ; 
the  abundance  of  fruit  is  of  almost  endless  diversity 
and  flavor;  there  is  an  astonishing  variety  of  birds  of 
the  most  brilliant  plumage,  and  some  of  them  are 
charming  in  song;  the  crystal  waters  teem  with  fishes, 
the  sparkling  scales  of  which  vie  with  the  birds  in 
almost  every  tint  of  the  rainbow ;  and  the  air  is  laden 
with  such  an  aromatic  fragrance  as  cannot  fail  to  con- 
vince Columbus  that  he  is  in  that  oriental  country 
"  where  the  spices  grow." 

As  the  ships  glide  along  over  the  smooth  waters, 
the  natives  name  the  islands  till  they  mount  up  into 
the  hundreds,  and  "  Columbus  now  had  no  longer  a 
doubt  that  he  was  among  the  islands  described  by 
Marco  Polo  as  studding  the  vast  sea  of  Chin,  or  China, 
and  lying  at  a  great  distance  from  the  mainland. 
These,  according  to  the  Venetian,  amounted  to  be- 
tween seven  and  eight  thousand,  and  abounded  with 
drugs  and  spices  and  odoriferous  trees,  together  with 
gold  and  silver  and  many  other  precious  objects  of 
commerce.*  < 

On  Monday,  October  15th,  the  ships  are  under  sail 
towards  an  island  some  six  or  seven  leagues  distant, 
"  that  part  of  it  toward  San  Salvador  extending  from 


N 
E 

St 

S 

cl 

w 

hi 

hi 

I 

tl 

H 

m 

it 

of 

s\ 

b< 

ns 

hi 

of 

P^ 
bi 

wl 

fii 

ju 
qt 
fo 

ui 
th 
pa 


'  Irving's  Columbus,  vol.  i,  p.  173. 


Joi) 


CIIASIXG   TIIF.   NATIVES. 


105 


)r  a  colony,  he 
\  seven  natives 
y  through  this 
g  is  strikingly 
immense  trees 
fe ;  exuberant 
ous  directions  ; 
the  landscape ; 
dless  diversity 
iety  of  birds  of 
:  of  them  are 
era  with  fishes, 
li  the  birds  in 
;he  air  is  laden 
not  fail  to  con- 
iental   country 

smooth  waters, 
mount  up  into 
ad  no  longer  a 
5  described  by 
:hin,  or  China, 
the  mainland, 
lounted  to  be- 
abounded  with 
,  together  with 
ious  objects  of 

i  are  under  sail 
eagues  distant, 
ixtending  from 


N.  to  S.   five   leagues."      The   other   side   ran    from 
E.  to  W.  more  than  ten  leagues.     Now  they  sail  for  a 
still  larger  island  to  the  W.,  which  the  Admiral  names 
Santa  Maria  dr  la  Comrpcion.     "  About  sunset  we  an- 
chored near  the  cape  which  terminates  the  island  to- 
wards the  W.  to  inquire  for  gold,  for  the  natives  we 
had  taken  from  San  Salvador  told  me  that  the  people 
here  wore  golden  bracelets  upon   their  arms  and  legs. 
I  believe    pretty    confidently    that    they  had  invented 
this  story  in  order  to  find  means  to  escape  from  us." ' 
Here  the  ships  remained  till   the  next  day,  the  Ad- 
miral examining  the  island  and  taking  possession  of 
it.     "  A  large  canoe  being  near  the  caravel  Nina.,  one 
of  the   San    Salvador   natives   leaped   overboard  and 
swam  to  her  (another  had  made  his  escape  the  night 
before)  ;  the  canoe  being  reached  by  the  fugitive,  the 
natives  rowed  for  the  land  too  swiftly  to  be  overtaken  ; 
having  landed,  some  of  my  men  went  ashore  in  pursuit 
of  them,  when  they  abandoned  the  canoe  and  fled  with 
precipitation ;    the   canoe   which   they   had   left   was 
brought   on   board    the    Nina,  where    from    another 
quarter  had  arrived  a  small  canoe  with  a  single  man, 
who  came  to  barter  some  cotton  ;  some  of  the  sailors, 
finding  him   unwilling   to   go   on   board   the   vessel, 
jumped  into  the  sea  and  took  him.     I  was  upon  the 
quarter-deck  of  my  ship,  and,  seeing  the  whole,  sent 
for  him  and  gave  him  a  red  cap,^  put  some  glass  beads 
upon  his  arms,  and  two  hawk's  bells  upon  his  ears.     I 
then  ordered  his  canoe  to  be  returned  to  him,  and  dis- 
patched him  back  to  land." 

>  The  quotations  occurring  along  this  part  of  the  narrative  are  from  the 
Journal  of  Columbus.  i 


'%S 


io6 


C/i'OXAf'.s  MAP. 


TiicscUiy,   October    i6tli,  about  noon,  the   squadron 
set  s:iil  for  an  island  which  loomed   up   very   larj^^e   in 


^    II. 

1°  H 


the  west.     But  their  sails  were  so  poorly  filled  that 
they  had  not  yet  reached  harbor  when  night  overtook 


tl 
ot 
iti 

fi! 
U! 

ni 
ill 
cc 
Si 
ca 
h. 
A 

R< 

til 
It 
T 
ci 
at 
dc 
T 
th 
lo 
ca 
ot 

St 
SI 

of 

ID 

as 
re 


,  the  squadron 
very   larjj^e   in 


f^M 


If 


orly  filled  that 
night  overtook 


////»"  Nli  WS  CARii/F.R.  107 

thcni.  Midway  they  had  met  a  itian  in  a  cmioc.  His 
outfit  for  a  voyaj^'e  anion j^  li.'se  islands  was  exceed- 
ingly small — a  hit  of  cassava  brtad  "  as  hij^  .(M  one's 
fist,  a  calabash  of  water,  a  quantity  of  reddish  earth," 
used  as  hody-paint,  and  a  few  dried  leaves  which  these 
natives  seemed  to  value.  He  had  also  a  little  basket 
in  which  were  some  glass  beads  and  two  vSi)anish 
copper  coins,  thus  betraying  the  fact  that  he  was  from 
vSan  Salvador,  probably  going  from  island  to  island  to 
carry  the  news  of  the  arrival  of  the  strangers  from 
heaven,  and  to  show  the  presents  they  gave.  The 
Admiral  ordered  the  bold  seaman,  with  his  canoe  and 
goods,  to  be  taken  on  board,  where  he  served  him  with 
"  bread,  honey,  and  drink."  As  the  ships  approached 
the  large  island  for  which  they  were  making,  the 
Indian,  with  his  effects,  was  launched  in  his  canoe. 
This  kind  treatment,  Columbus  thought,  would  con- 
ciliate the  natives.  They  approached  the  island  just 
at  night,  and,  as  the  coast  was  dangerous,  beat  up  and 
down  till  morning,  when  they  anchored  at  a  village. 
The  Indian  messenger,  having  landed  here,  had  given 
the  inhabitants  so  good  an  impression  that  all  night 
long  they  were  coming  out  in  great  numbers  in  their 
canoes  to  the  approaching  ships,  bringing  water  and 
other  things.  Each  one  received  some  present,  "  as 
strings  of  ten  or  a  dozen  glass  beads,  plates  of  brass, 
such  as  cost  in  Castile  a  maravedi  apiece,  and  thongs 
of  leather.  Those  who  came  on  board  were  fed  with 
molasses." 

In  the  gray  dawn  of  the  morning  a  delegation  went 
ashore  for  water.  The  kindly  natives  not  only  di- 
rected them  to  the  springs,  but  "  carried  the  little  tubs 


io8 


BRILLIANT  FISHES. 


to  fill  the  pipes."  '  These  natives  attracted  the  atten- 
tion of  the  Spaniards  as  being  shrewder  in  traffic  than 
those  they  had  met  before.  How  the  Spaniards  ache 
to  get  the  gold  ornament,  half  as  big  as  a  castcllano 
and  with  letters  on  it,  from  the  nose  of  that  native. 
Surely  that  must  be  a  coin  !  But  the  fellow  will  not 
part  with  it.  These  natives  are  also  more  modest  in 
covering  their  nakedness  than  has  been  the  custom  in 
these  parts.  The  ships  spend  some  time  coasting  this 
island  and  Columbus  lands,  and  is  delighted  with  its 
great  fertility  and  the  novel  and  striking  beauty  of 
every  object  about  him.  He  is  especially  delighted 
with  the  fishes,  "  of  the  finest  hues  in  the  world,  blue, 
yellow,  red,  and  every  other  color,  some  variegated 
with  a  thousand  d'fferent  tints,  so  beautiful  that  no 
one  on  beholding  them  could  fail  to  express  the 
highest  wonder  and  admiration."  This  island  was 
named  Fernandina,  in  honor  of  the  King. 

On  the  morning  of  the  19th  the  Admiral  sailed  to 
the  southeast  for  the  island  Saomote,  which  he  named 
Isabella.  Columbus  says,  "  It  lies  westerly  from  the 
island  of  Fernandina,  and  the  coast  extends  from  the 
islet  twelve  leagues  west  to  a  cape  which  I  called 
Cabo  Hermoso — Cape  Beautiful — it  being  a  beautiful 
round  headland,  with  a  bold  shore  free  from  shoals. 
Part  of  the  shore  is  rocky,  but  the  rest  of  it,  like 
most  of  the  coast  here,  a  sandy  beach.  Here  we  an- 
chored till  morning.  This  island  is  the  most  beau- 
tiful that  I  have  yet  seen ;  the  trees  in  great  number, 
flourishing  and  lofty ;  the  land  is  higher  than  the 
other  islands,  and  exhibits  an  eminence  which,  though 

'  Herrera's  History  of  America,  vol.  i,  chap.  13. 


r*M.  *>"•  1 0«iW  ^"*° 


racted  the  atten- 
er  in  traffic  than 

Spaniards  ache 
r  as  a  castcllano 
e  of  that  native. 

fellow  will  not 
more  modest  in 
en  the  custom  in 
me  coasting  this 
flighted  with  its 
riking  beauty  of 
scially  delighted 

the  world,  blue, 
some  variegated 
eautiful  that  no 

to  express  the 
rhis  island  was 
ing. 

\dmiral  sailed  to 
which  he  named 
westerly  from  the 
xtends  from  the 
;  which  I  called 
.eing  a  beautiful 
'ree  from  shoals. 
e  rest  of  it,  like 
h.     Here  we  an- 

the  most  beau- 
n  great  number, 
ligher  than  the 
ce  which,  though 

ip.  13. 


ENCHANTING  LANDSCAPES. 


109 


it  cannot  be  called  a  mountain,  yet  adds  beauty  to  its 
appearance,  and  gives  an  indication  of  streams  of 
water  in  the  interior."  He  adds  further,  "This  is  so 
beautiful  a  place,  as  well  as  the  neighboring  regions, 
that  I  know  not  in  which  course  to  proceed  first ;  my 
eyes  are  never  tired  with  viewing  such  delightful 
verdure,  and  of  a  species  so  new  and  dissimilar  to  that 
of  our  country,  and  I  have  no  doubt  there  are  trees  and 
herbs  here  which  would  be  of  great  value  in  Spain,  as 
dyeing  materials,  medicines,  spices,  etc.,  but  I  am  mor- 
tified that  I  have  no  acquaintance  with  them.  Upon 
our  arrival  here  we  experienced  the  most  sweet  and 
delightful  odor  from  the  flowers  or  trees  of  the  island." 
And  again,  concerning  the  same  island,  he  says, 
'*  Groves  of  lofty  and  flourishing  trees  are  abundant, 
as  also  large  lakes,  surrounded  and  overhung  by  the 
foliage  in  a  most  enchanting  manner.  Everything 
looked  as  green  as  in  April  in  Andalusia.  The 
melody  of  the  birds  was  so  exquisite  that  one  was 
never  willing  to  part  from  the  spot,  and  the  flocks  of 
parrots  obscured  the  heavens.  The  diversity  in  the 
appearance  of  the  feathered  tribe  from  those  of  our 
country  is  extremely  curious." 

In  giving  these  citations  from  the  Admiral's  journal 
as  preserved  by  Las  Casas  we  are  tempted  to  quote 
him  a  little  further.  ''  While  we  were  in  search  of  some 
good  water,"  he  says  of  his  sojourn  in  Isabella,  "  we 
came  upon  a  village  of  the  natives  about  half  a  league 
from  the  place  where  the  ships  lay  ;  the  inhabitants,  on 
discovering  us,  abandoned  their  houses  and  took  to 
flight,  carrying  oflf  their  goods  to  the  mountain.  I 
ordered  that  nothing  which  they  had  left  should  be 


no 


SEARCHING  FOR  THE  KING. 


taken,  not  even  the  valne  of  a  pin.  Presently  we  saw 
several  of  the  natives  advancing  toward  our  party,  and 
one  of  them  came  up  to  us,  to  whom  we  gave  some 
hawk's  bells  and  glass  beads,  with  which  he  was  de- 
lighted. We  asked  him,  in  return,  for  water,  and 
after  I  had  gone  on  board  the  ship  the  natives  came 
down  to  the  shore  with  their  calabashes  full,  and 
showed  great  pleasure  in  presenting  us  with  it.  I 
ordered  more  glass  beads  to  be  given  them,  and  they 
promised  to  return  the  ne::t  day.  It  is  my  wish  to  fill 
all  the  water-casks  of  the  ships  at  this  place,  which 
being  ex2cuted  I  shall  depart  immediately,  if  the 
weather  serve,  and  sail  round  the  island,  till  I  succeed 
in  meeting  with  the  king,  in  order  to  see  if  I  can  ac- 
quire any  of  the  gold  which  I  hear  he  possesses. 
Afterwards  I  shall  set  sail  to  another  very  large  island 
which  I  believe  to  be  Cipango,  according  to  the  indica- 
tion I  receive  from  the  Indians  on  board." 

There  is  a  strange  lack  of  quadrupeds  in  these 
islands.  What  can  be  the  origin  of  that  dog  which 
guards  the  pavilion  of  the  native,  but  cannot  bark  ? 
If  he  is  a  hunter,  that  little  animal  which  the  natives 
call  utia^  and  which  the  Spaniards  are  at  a  loss  to  name, 
not  knowing  whether  to  call  it  a  large  rat,  a  rabbit,  or 
a  coney,  must  be  its  only  game.  But  lizards  abound, 
and  a  kind  of  reptile  which  the  natives  eat  with  great 
relish,  but  which  the  Spaniards  look  upon  with  disgust, 
as  being  allied  to  serpents. 

The  natives  still  pointed  southwest,  as  the  direction 
in  which  to  find  the  rich  king  and  the  mines  of  gold. 
So  on  the  ships  went  in  that  direction,  through  sun- 
shine and  frequent  showers,  till  they  came  in  sight  of 
Cuba,  on  the  28th. 


ING. 

resently  we  saw 
1  our  party,  and 

we  gave  some 
lich  lie  was  de- 

for  water,  and 
le  natives  came 
ashes   full,  and 

us  with  it.  I 
them,  and  they 
;  my  wish  to  fill 
lis  place,  which 
ediately,  if  the 
d,  till  I  succeed 
see  if  I  can  ac- 
ir  he  possesses, 
'ery  large  island 
ig  to  the  indica- 
rd." 

upeds  in  these 
that  dog  which 
It  cannot  bark? 
hich  the  natives 
It  a  loss  to  name, 

rat,  a  rabbit,  or 
:  lizards  abound, 
;s  eat  with  great 
)on  with  disgust, 

as  the  direction 
t  mines  of  gold. 
m,  through  sun- 
came  in  sight  of 


APPROACHING  CUBA. 


Ill 


All  travellers  testify  to  the  magnificence  of  this  island 
as  seen  in  the  distance,  especially  when  approached 
from  the  north.  Everything  beautiful  and  grand  in 
nature  seems  to  combine  here.  Lofty  mountains  lift 
their  blue  peaks  into  the  clouds  ;  their  spurs,  like  great 
buttresses,  are  clad  in  the  most  luxuriant  forests,  and 
run  out  in  grand  promontories  to  the  sea ;  the  wide 
plains  which  border  the  beautiful  rivers  are  elysian  in 
their  mild  scenery  and  great  fertility  ;  the  large  shells, 
Strewn  along  the  coast,  the  birds,  the  flowers,  the 
insects  sparkling  like  jewels,  and  even  the  fishes — all 
vie  with  each  other  to  give  brilliancy  and  the  most 
entrancing  effect  to  this  immense  stretch  of  land, 
which  almost  claims  to  be  a  continent. 

As  the  ships  bore  down  upon  the  land,  the  grand 
scene  filled  the  heart  of  Columbus  with  unutterable 
delight\  Surely  this  must  be  the  far-famed  island, 
Cipango !     In  those  mountains  yonder  would  be  the 

'"  Fancy,  without  whose  aid  no  truly  great  work  can  succeed  in  the  hands 
of  man,  lent  a  peculiar  charm  to  the  delineations  of  nature  sketched  by  Co- 
lumbus and  Vespucci." — Humboldt's  Cosmos. 

The  same  author,  speaking  of  the  expansion  of  knowledge  and  the  growth 
of  poetic  feeling  which  became  so  obvious  in  literature  after  the  discovery  of 
the  New  World,  notes  how  Columbus  "  described  the  earth  and  the  new 
heaven  opened  to  his  eyes  with  a  beauty  and  simplicity  of  expression  which 
can  only  be  adequately  appreciated  by  those  who  are  conversant  with  the 
ancient  vigor  of  the  language  in  the  period  in  which  he  wrote.  The  physi- 
ognomy and  forms  of  vegetation  ;  the  impenetrable  thickets  of  the  forests, 
in  which  one  can  scarcely  distinguish  the  stems  to  which  the  several  blos- 
soms and  leaves  belong;  the  wild  luxurian(;e  of  the  flowering  soil  along 
the  humid  shores,  and  the  rose-colored  flamingoes  which,  fishing  at  early 
dawn  at  the  mouth  of  the  rivers,  impart  animation  to  the  scenery — all  in 
turn  arrested  the  attention  of  the  old  mariner  as  he  sailed  along  the  shores 
of  Cuba,  between  the  small  Lucayan  islands  and  the  Jardinillos,  which  I  too 
have  visited.  Each  newly-discovered  land  seems  to  him  more  beautiful  than 
the  one  last  described,  and  he  deplores  his  inability  to  find  words  in  which 
to  express  the  sweet  impressions  awakened  in  his  mind." 


112 


ON  THE  LOOKOUT  FOR  TARTAR T. 


X 

1 


It 
I. 


mines  of  gold  ;  that  tropical  vegetation  would  aflford 
spices,  and  along  the  shores  would  be  the  pearls  of 
the  Orient.  As  they  landed  and  examined  an  Indian 
village,  the  pavilion -like  houses,  made  of  palm 
branches  and  located  here  and  there  on  pretty  emi- 
nences, under  large  trees,  seemed  more  architectural 
than  an}'  they  had  seen.     And  how  clean  they  were  ! 

Those  wooden  statues  and  masks,  so  ingeniously 
wrought,  did  they  not  indicate  some  fair  degree  of 
civilization  ?  Those  fishing  implements  made  of  bone 
must  show  some  enterprise  in  fishing,  to  supply  the 
cities  in  the  interior.  And  was  there  not  the  skull  of 
a  cow  ? — now  supposed  to  have  been  that  of  a  sea-calf 
or  manatee. 

"  The  natives  on  board  my  vessel  point  to  the  interior, 
to  Cubanican,  and  say  there  is  an  abundance  of  gold 
there,"  said  Martin  Alonzo  Pinzon.  "  Moreover,  they 
say  that  this  is  not  an  island,  but  the  mainland. 
Cubanican  must  be  Cublai  Khan,  the  great  sovereign 
of  Tartary,  described  by  Marco  Polo." 

"  Aye,  truly,"  replies  Columbus.  "  Then  we  are 
not  in  Cipango,  but  on  the  mainland  of  India,  in  the 
vicinity  of  Mangi  and  Cathay." 

As  heretofore,  the  natives  pressed  upon  the  Span- 
iards with  their  huge  balls  of  coarse  cotton  yarn, 
parrots,  and  cassava  bread  ;  but  Columbus  forbade  all 
traffic  except  for  gold,  hoping  thus  to  develop  the  facts 
concerning  that  metal  in  the  country.  Nowhere,  how- 
ever, in  the  crowds  who  called  on  him  could  he  detect 
any  of  the  precious  metals,  except  one  silver  ring  in 
the  nose  of  a  native.  He  was  questioned,  and  gave 
the  impression  that  the  king  lived  about  four  days' 
journey  inland. 


gjlBl— i*itiii»wiM»niiw  iiwii 


IRTART. 

9n  would  afford 
)e  the  pearls  of 
mined  an  Indian 
made  of  palm 
;  on  pretty  emi- 
ire  architectural 
lean  they  were  ! 
so  ingeniously 
I  fair  degree  of 
Its  made  of  bone 
g,  to  supply  the 
not  the  skull  of 
;hat  of  a  sea-calf 

It  to  the  interior, 
undance  of  gold 
'  Moreover,  they 
the  mainland, 
great  sovereign 

"  Then  we   are 
of  India,  in  the 

upon  the  Span- 
se  cotton  yarn, 
nbus  forbade  all 
ievelop  the  facts 
Nowhere,  how- 
could  he  detect 
e  silver  ring  in 
ioned,  and  gave 
.bout  four  days' 


DELEGATION  TO  KUBLAI  KHAN. 


"3 


There  was  no  time  to  lose.  At  once  two  Spaniards 
were  chosen  as  delegates  to  the  court  of  the  mon- 
arch— probably  Kublai  Kahn.  One  of  them  was  a 
convert  from  among  the  lately  banished  Jews,  who 
could  use  the  Hebrew  and  Chaldaic  languages,  and 
even  the  Arabic.  Might  not  this  oriental  potentate  be 
able  to  communicate  through  one  or  the  other  of  these  ? 
Two  Indians  acted  as  guides.  This  embassy  was  in- 
structed to  present  the  letter  of  salutation^  which  the 
Spanish  sovereigns  had  sent,  and  to  inform  the  mon- 
aroh  that  they  had  sent  the  Admiral  to  establish 
friendly  relations  between  their  distant  kingdoms. 

In  order  to  be  as  thorough  as  possible  in  this  dis- 
patch, Columbus  made  out  a  list  of  names  of  Asiatic 
provinces,  harbors,  and  rivers,  as  given  by  Marco  Polo 
and  others,  concerning  which  they  were  to  make  in- 
quiries as  to  distance,  situation,  etc.  They  were  also 
supplied  with  samples  of  certain  oriental  spices  and 
drugs,  in  order  to  ascertain  whether  they  grew  in  that 
country. 

To  all  these  important  inquiries  the  Admiral  ex- 
pected answers  in  full  in  six  days.  O  Marco  Polo ! 
what  an  impression  thou  hast  made ! 

Meanwhile    all  the    crews  were  active ;  part   were 

*  This  letter  read  as  follows  : 
"Ferdinand  and  Isabella  to  King : 


"  The  sovereigns  have  heard  that  he  and  his  subjects  entertain  great  love 
for  them  and  for  Spain.  They  are,  moreovef,  informed  that  he  and  his  sub- 
jects very  much  wish  to  hear  news  from  Spain  ;  and  send,  therefore,  their 
Admiral,  Ch.  Columbus,  who  will  tell  them  that  they  are  in  good  health  and 
perfect  prosperity. 

"  Granada,  April  30th,  1492."— ^e//5,  Co/.,/.  79. 

The  same  author  says:  "This  crediting  the  unknown  ruler  with  an 
anxiety  for  the  welfare  of  the  Spanish  sovereigns  is  really  a  delicious  piece 
of  diplomatic  affectation." 


114 


THE  ODOR  OF  MASTIC. 


I 


I 


careening  and  repairing  the  vessels,  and  part  went  in 
search  of  cinnamon,  nutmegs,  and  rhubarb.  As  Co- 
lumbus continued  to  examine  the  natives,  a  great  vari- 
ety of  information  was  elicited.  When  he  showed  them 
gold  ornaments  and  pearls,  they  knew  of  a  country 
where  these  were  worn  on  the  necks,  arms,  and  ankles. 
They  also  told  of  nations  who  had  but  one  eye,  of  oth- 
ers who  had  heads  like  dogs,  and  of  others  who  cut 
the  throats  of  their  prisoners  and  drank  their  blood ; 
all  of  which  was  no  doubt  equally  authentic. 

What  strong,  sweet  odor  is  that  arising  in  the  smoke, 
as  the  calkers  on  the  vessels  heat  their  tar  over  the 
fire  ?  Surely  that  is  the  precious  mastic,  such  as  is 
found  in  the  Grecian  Archipelago ;  and,  as  the  trees 
which  are  being  burnt  grow  abundantly  everywhere 
around,  Columbus  conjectures  that  "a thousand  quin- 
tals of  this  precious  gum  might  be  gathered  every 
year." 

Well,  mastic  or  no  mastic,  here  is  something  impor- 
tant. That  group  of  natives  yonder  also  have  a  fire 
and,  irrespective  of  any  odor,  are  turning  it  to  practical 
account.  What  are  those  longish  tubers  which  they 
are  baking  in  the  embers,  and  which  they  eat  with  such 
relish  while  they  are  yet  steaming  hot  ?  Ah !  that 
will  prove  to  be  something  of  more  value  to  the  world 
than  all  the  wealth  of  the  Indies  ;  it  is  the  potato  ! — no 
mere  ornament  or  luxury,  but  food — bread  which  the 
poor  man  can  produce  from  his  little  patch  of  ground 
in  less  than  a  hundred  days,  and  make  ready  for  his 
table  without  the  aid  of  a  mill. 

Here  come  the  embassadors  !  In  less  than  six  days 
they  have   accomplished   their   mission.      All   crowd 


ft. 


i 


.•mmmimmimmm 


THE  NATIVE  TOWN. 


"5 


i  part  went  in 
ibarb.  As  Co- 
:s,  a  great  vari- 
le  showed  them 
f  of  a  country 
tns,  and  ankles, 
one  eye,  of  oth- 
thers  who  cut 
k  their  blood ; 
entic. 

ig  in  the  smoke, 
ir  tar  over  the 
tic,  such  as  is 
d,  as  the  trees 
itly  everywhere 
thousand  quin- 
gathered  every 

mething  impor- 
ilso  have  a  fire 
g  it  to  practical 
Ders  which  they 
;y  eat  with  such 
lot?  Ah!  that 
ue  to  the  world 
the  potato  ! — no 
read  which  the 
)atch  of  ground 
:e  ready  for  his 

s  than  six  days 
n.      All  crowd 


around  to  hear  what  they  have  to  tell  about  Kublai 
Khan.  Alas !  after  travelling  some  twelve  leagues,  they 
have  found,  as  usual,  only  a  community  of  naked 
savages.  It  was  unusually  large,  indeed,  containing 
some  fifty  houses,  more  capacious  than  those  near  the 
sea,  and  having  a  population  of  about  a  thousand  ; 
but  there  was  neither  gold  nor  pearls  ;  and  when  they 
showed  their  cinnamon  and  pepper,  the  inhabitants 
said  these  did  not  grow  with  them,  but  pointed,  as 
usual,  to  the  southwest. 

Fernando  Columbus  says  that  when  the  embassy 
reached  this  Indian  community  "  the  principal  men  of 
the  place  came  out  to  meet  them,  and  led  them  by  the 
arms  to  their  town,  giving  them  one  of  those  great 
houses  to  lodge  in,  where  they  made  them  sit  down 
upon  seats  made  of  one  piece,  in  strange  shapes,  and 
almost  like  some  creature  that  had  short  legs,  and  the 
tail  lifted  up  to  lean  against,  which  is  as  broad  as  the 
seat  for  the  convenience  of  leaning,  with  a  head  before, 
and  the  eyes  and  ears  of  gold.  These  seats  they  call 
duchi^  where,  the  Christians  being  seated,  all  the  Indians 
sat  in  a  circle  around  them  on  the  ground,  and  then  came 
one  by  one  to  examine  and  kiss  their  hands  and  feet, 
believing  they  came  from  heaven ;  and  they  gave  them 
some  boiled  roots  to  eat,  not  unlike  chestnuts  in  taste, 
earnestly  entreating  them  to  stay  there  among  them, 
or  at  least  to  rest  themselves  five  or  six  days,  because  the 
two  Indians  they  took  with  them  gave  those  people  an 
excellent  character  of  the  Christians.  Soon  after, 
many  women  coming  in  to  see  them,  the  men  went  out, 
and  these,  with  no  less  respect,  kissed  their  feet  and 
hands,  offering  them  what  they  brought."     He  also 


ii6 


COTTON  AND  CORN. 


says,  conceniiug  the  same  tour,  "they  saw  vast  quan- 
tities of  cotton  well  spun,  in  balls,  in  so  much  that 
in  one  house  only  they  saw  above  12,500  pounds  of  it. 
The  plants  it  comes  from  are  not  set,  but  grow  naturally 
about  the  fields,  like  roses,  and  open  of  themselves 
when  they  are  ripe,  but  not  all  at  the  same  time,  for 
upon  one  and  the  same  plant  they  had  seen  a  little 
young  bud,  another  open,  and  a  third  coming  ripe." 

The  Spaniards  "  might  have  been  attended  back  by 
more  than  five  hundred  men  and  women,  who  were 
eager  to  bear  them  company,  thinking  they  were 
returning  to  heaven.  They  took  none  along  with  them 
but  one  of  the  principal  inhabitants,  with  his  son." 
{Columbus's  journal.) 

The  embassy  had  seen  a  number  of  cozy  little 
villages  with  gardens  in  which  was  cultivated  a  kind  of 
sweet  pepper,  a  sort  of  bean,  yucca  for  cassava  bread, 
potatoes,  and  that  wonderful  product  which  has  so  ex- 
tensively fed  both  man  and  beast  ever  since — maize,  or 
Indian  corn.  With  whatever  curiosity  and  interest  they 
may  have  examined  this  beautiful  product — this  gigan- 
tic species  0/  grass — they  could  have  formed  no  concep- 
tion of  the  immense  want  it  was  to  supply  throughout 
the  world. 

They  also  found  another  product,  which  was  to  tell 
heavily  on  the  habits  of  the  world.  They  had  seen  the 
natives  roll  up  the  large,  dried  leaves  of  a  certain  weed, 
and  putting  one  end  of  the  compacted  cylindrical- 
shaped  mass  in  the  mouth  and  holding  a  firebrand  to 
the  other,  draw  the  smoke  into  their  mouths  and  puff 
it  out  again !  This  use  of  the  "  tobacco,''  as  the  Indian 
called  his  huge  cigar,  was  looked  upon  by  the  Spaniards 


DESERTION  BV  PJXZON. 


117 


saw  vast  qiian- 
so  much  that 
3  pounds  of  it. 
grow  naturally 
of  themselves 
same  time,  for 
d  seen  a  little 
ming  ripe." 
tended  back  by 
lien,  who  were 
ing  they  were 
ilong  with  them 
with  his  son." 

of  cozy  little 
vated  a  kind  of 

cassava  bread, 
hich  has  so  ex- 
ince — maize,  or 
ad  interest  they 
ict — this  gigan- 
med  no  concep- 
ply  throughout 

lich  was  to  tell 
ey  had  seen  the 
a  certain  weed, 
ted  cylindrical- 
j  a  firebrand  to 
louths  and  puflf 
"  as  the  Indian 
)y  the  Spaniards 


as  the  most  nauseous  habit  they  had  yet  seen  among  the 
savages. 

Disappointed  in  not  finding  the  oriental  monarch,  nor 
yet  gold  mines,  nor  pearls,  nor  palaces  roofed  with  gold, 
in  these  parts,  Columbus  resolved  to  go  in  search  of  the 
island  Babeque,  to  which  the  natives  had  now  transferred 
all  their  royal  and  golden  mysteries.'  The  vessels 
sailed  soutliea.^t  along  the  coast.  After  several  days, 
in  which  he  saw  no  populous  towns,  nor  anything  else 
corresponding  to  his  oriental  notions,  he  sailed  eastward 
toward  an  island  in  sight,  which  he  thought  might  be 
the  one  referred  to  ;  but  sLrong  head-winds  obliged  him 
to  put  back  to  the  shores  of  Cuba.  Again  he  put  out, 
and,  after  several  days  of  useless  effort,  was  under  ne- 
cessity of  returning.  But  as  he  gave  signal  for  the 
other  vessels  to  follow  him,  the  Pinta^  some  distance  in 
advance,  gave  no  attention.  As  night  came  on,  he  put 
the  lights  at  the  mast-head  ;  but,  though  the  wind  was 
so  favorable  to  the  Admiral's  course,  no  regard  was  paid 
to  these.  The  morning  dawned  and  no  sail  was  in 
sight. 

For  a  while  at  least,  Martin  Alonzo  Pinzon  had  de- 
termined to  part  company  with  Columbus.  At  this 
the  latter  was  greatly  disturbed.  Pinzon  had  been  one 
of  his  best  friends,  and  had  done  more  than  any  one 
else  in  securing  the  vessels  and  the  crews.  Others 
had  given  him  sympathy  and,  counsel,  but  he  had 
given  him  his  purse.  His  company,  as  an  experienced 
and  bold  navigator,  was  of  incalculable  importance. 
But  it  was  not  an  easy  matter  for  one  so  prominent  in 

'Las  Casa«  thinks  two  days  farther  sail  to  the  northwest  would  have 
brought  him  in  sight  of  Florida. 


ii8 


DESERTION  BY  PINZON. 


the  enterprise  and  so  accnstomed  to  command  to  sub- 
mit to  another  who  was  a  comparative  stranger  to  him- 
self and  to  his  nation.  Perhaps,  in  the  few  variances 
which  had  occurred  between  him  and  the  Admiral,  he 
had  blamed  him  too  severely.  Very  possibly  the  latter 
was  not  always  as  amiable  and  considerate  towards  his 
colleague  as  he  might  have  been.  We  do  not  know 
and  cannot  judge.  Whatever  the  extenuations  might 
be,  Pinzon  should  have  been  subordinate  and  faithful 
to  the  Admiral,  according  to  his  voluntary  agreement 
under  his  sovereigns.*  Nor  does  it  seem  probable  that 
Columbus  could  have  been  guilty  of  any  great  misde- 
meanor towards  his  associate,  for  in  the  lawsu  .i  with 
the  Crown,  introduced  by  Diego  Columbus  after  his 
father's  death,  and  in  which  the  Pinzons  took  ample 
occasion  to  show  their  unfriendliness  toward  the  Co- 
lumbus family,  there  is  no  mention  of  anything  of  the 
kind. 

Barring  his  desertion  by  Pinzon  and  his  failure  to  find 
Kublai  Khan,  the  Admiral's  voyagt  along  this  north 
side  of  Cuba  had  been  one  continued  delectation. 
Broad,  deep  rivers  studded  with  magnificent  islands, 
fertile  plains  shaded  by  the  strangest  and  most  delight- 
some trees  of  astonishing  size,  lofty  mountains  bearing 
gigantic  pines  and  suggestive  of  the  most  picturesque 
and  artistic  landscapes,  fragrant  flowers  and  luscious 
fruits,  and  an  endless  variety  of  birds  in  plumage  and 
song  the  most  charming — all  entranced  him  both  day 
and  night ;  so  that,  in  describing  these  new  scenes  to 

'  In  connection  with  this  painful  incident,  Las  Casas  quotes  from  Colum- 
bus's journul  concerning  Pinzon  :  "  He  has,  by  language  and  actions, 
occ.isioned  me  many  other  troubles." 


^JWlBMIgiiMWffTim-iW 


(V. 

tiimand  to  sub- 
tranger  to  him- 
;  few  variances 
le  Admiral,  he 
jsibly  the  latter 
ate  towards  his 
do  not  know 
nuations  might 
te  and  faithful 
ary  agreement 
n  probable  that 
y  great  misde- 
e  lawsuu.  with 
ubus  after  his 
3ns  took  ample 
toward  the  Co- 
mything  of  the 

lis  failure  to  find 
long  this  north 
led  delectation, 
lificent  islands, 
id  most  delight- 
untains  bearing 
ost  picturesque 
rs  and  luscious 
in  plumage  and 
d  him  both  day 
e  new  scenes  to 

;  quotes  from  Colutn- 
inguage  and   actions, 


GRAND  SCENE n  V  OE  NA  Vri. 


119 


the  sovereigns,  the  symbolism  of  language  utterly  fails 
to  mirror  his  perceptions.  Only  the  experience  of  see- 
ing could  sufficiently  magnify  one's  conceptions  of  such 
marvellous  parts  of  our  earth. 

Babeque,  that  mysterious  land  of  golden  dreams,  is 
now  the  one  point  of  interest  in  the  wide  ocean.  The 
Admiral  therefore  sails  eastward,  according  to  the 
direction  of  the  natives.  Presently,  in  the  south,  there 
arises  out  of  the  sea  a  most  enchanting  landscape. 
Quite  a  distance  along  the  horizon  the  rocky  crest  of 
majestic  mountains  is  strongly  outlined  against  the 
sky.  Anon  long  slopes  and  wide  plateaus  of  the  most 
exuberant  tropical  forest  emerge.  As  they  approach 
still  closer,  there  are  broad  savannahs,  and  fertile  valleys 
bordering  rivers  clear  as  crystal.  The  vegetable  and 
animal  life  is  the  same  brilliant  display  of  birds  and 
flowers  and  elysian  fruits  as  they  have  found  else- 
where in  these  delightsome  regions  of  perpetual  sum- 
mer. This  islapd,  some  four  hundred  miles  in  length 
and  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  in  greatest 
breadth,  is  Hayti,  than  which  there  is  not  a  more 
beautiful  nor  more  unfortunate  spot  on  earth.  Evi- 
dently it  was  once  the  home  of  an  immense  com- 
munity of  happy  human  beings,  who,  in  the  midst  of 
nature's  greatest  plenty,  without  care  and  almost  with- 
out effort,  lived  a  life  of  simplicity  and  fair  morality ; 
who  were  conscious  of  the  plainest  joys  and  truest 
affections,  without  the  burdens  and  ambitions  of  civili- 
zation. But  the  story  of  those  lives  is  prehistoric. 
When  civilized  man  planted  his  foot  on  fair  Hayti's 
shores,  misery  and  bloodshed  began ;  and  from  that 
day  to  this  it  has  scarcely  known  permanent  peace  or 
prosperity. 


120 


F/StlF.S  IX  ^nl'XDAXCE. 


f 


Jtt 
I- 

i 


On  December  6tli  tlie  vessels  entered  a  harbor  on  the 
western  end  of  the  ishmd,  whicli  Columbus  called  »St. 
Nicholas.  The  shores  of  the  smooth  waters  of  this 
broad  harbor  were  overshadowed  by  the  most  magnifi- 
cent and  fniilfiil  trees.  Here  the  royal  palm  spread  its 
immense  fronds,  and  the  banana  displayed  at  once  its 
elegant  tubular  blossoms  and  its  great  clusters  of  frtiit. 
A  wide  plain  stretched  away  into  the  mountains,  and  on 
the  river  running  through  it  a  number  of  the  canoes  of 
the  natives  were  seen.  Columns  of  smoke  arose  here 
and  there,  aiul  at  night  fires  gleamed  thickly  in  the 
forests.     iCvidently  the  island  was  well  peopled. 

The  Spaniards  continued  their  course  along  the  north 
side  of  the  island.  Here  and  there  among  the  lulls  or 
mountain  spurs  were  charming  valleys,  some  of  which 
appeared  to  be  highly  cultivated.  In  the  clear  waters 
there  was  a  great  variety  and  abundance  of  fishes, 
some  of  which  leaped  into  the  boats.  When  they  drew 
their  nets,  which  were  burdened  with  vast  numbers  of 
them,  they  found  some  which  resembled  certain  species 
in  Spain.  Throughout  the  day  and  even  at  night  the 
birds  were  singing,  some  of  them  almost  repeating  the 
bird-songs  of  their  own  country.  One  of  them  re- 
minded them  strikingly  of  the  nightingale.  In  fact, 
in  many  respects  there  was  something  in  this  island 
strongly  suggestive  of  the  more  beautiful  parts  of 
Southern  Spain,  hence  Columbus  named  it  Hispaniola. 

But  where  were  the  natives  ?  On  landing  and  making 
excursions  inland  they  could  find  their  houses,  their 
gar  ens,  traces  of  their  roads,  and  the  ashes  and  embers 
of  .  :ir  recent  fires  ;  but  the  people  had  evidently  fled 
at  tLe  sight  of  the  ships.     While  Columbus,  after  his 


% 


.smMKtmoMieimmiiat 


a  harbor  on  the 
ubus  called  Si. 
waters  of  this 
:  most  inagtiifi- 
palm  spread  its 
yed  at  once  its 
listers  of  fruit, 
iintains,  and  on 
f  the  canoes  of 
Dke  arose  here 

thickly  in  the 
peopled, 
along  the  north 
)ng  the  lulls  or 
some  of  which 
he  clear  waters 
nee  of  fishes, 
Hien  they  drew 
ast  numbers  of 
certain  species 
:n  at  night  the 
t  repeating  the 
;  of  them  re- 
igale.  In  fact, 
[  in  this  island 
itiful   parts   of 

it  Hispaniola. 
ng  and  making 
r  houses,  their 
hes  and  embers 
i  evidently  fled 
nbus,  after  his 


CAPTUliF   OF  A IV  /XD/Ay  FRMArii. 


121 


usual  custom,  was  erecting  a  huge  cross  and  taking 
possession  of  the  t-uuntry  for  Spain  with  proper  formal- 
ities, some  of  his  .  len,  rambling  about  the  neighbor- 
hood, caught  sight  of  a  vast  throng  of  natives,  who  im- 
mediately fled  in  terror.  '  The  sailors  gave  chase,  but 
found  their  sea-legs  too  clumsy  to  overtake  the  fleet- 
footed  Indians.  One  young  woman  or  girl,  however, 
who  either  could  not  keep  up  with  the  rest,  or  loitered 
behind  out  of  womanly  curiosity,  was  captured  and 
borne  away  to  the  ships. 

As  they  arrived  with  this  naked  beauty  on  their 
shoulders,  Columbus  was  not  very  well  assured  as  to 
the  civilized  wealth  of  the  island,  but  that  ring  of  gold 
in  her  nose  was  suggestive.  The  precious  metal  must 
be  somewhere  in  those  mountains  or  in  the  sands  of 
the  rivers,  as  the  natives  had  said.  If  the  girl  was  at 
all  terrified  by  these  new  scenes,  she  was  soon  soothed 
by  the  kindness  of  the  Admiral.  He  had  her  dressed,' 
and  decked  out  with  beads,  brass  rings,  and  little 
bells,  and  when  he  was  about  to  send  her  to  her  native 
forest,  accompanied  by  some  of  his  men  and  several 
native  guides,  she  was  not  at  all  anxious  to  go,  but 
would  have  preferred  to  share  the  fortunes  of  the  few 
Indian  women  whom  Columbus  already  had  on  board 
his  ships.  The  men  who  escorted  this  female  into  the 
forest  would  gladly  have  shown  the  utmost  gallantry 
by  taking  her  all  the  way  to  her  home,  but  it  was 
night,  and  they  could  not  conjecture  how  they  might 
be  received  by  the  savages  ;  so  she  was  obliged  to  go 
part  way  alone,  while  the  escort  returned. 

'  Herrera  sa^-s  :  "  The  Admiral  gave  her  hawk's  bells,  strings  of  glass  beads, 
and  caused  a  shirt  to  be  put  upon  her." 


w:!^ 


I 


I 


1^ 
5 


122  AN  INDIAN  COMMUNITY. 

What  a   curiosity   this   young  female,  so  grandly 
apparelled,  must  have  been  to  her  people.     One  may 
almost  imagine  that  no  one   slept  in  the  town  that 
night,  but  that  all  stayed  up  to  hear  her  wonderful 
accounts  of  the  strange  sights  she  had  seen.     A  visi- 
tation of  angels  from  heaven  could  scarcely  surprise 
us  more  than  these  white  men  did  the  Indians.     Co- 
lumbus knew  how  to  take  proper  advantage  of  this 
incident.     The  next  morning  he  sent  a  delegation  of 
nine  of  his  best  men,  well  armed,  to  find  the  community 
to  which  this  young  woman  belonged.     About  thirteen 
miles  inland,  in  a  fertile  valley  and  on  the  banks  of  a 
beautiful  river,  they  found  a  large  town  of  the  natives, 
comprising  about  one  thousand   houses;    but   every 
one  had  fled  at  their  approach.     A  Cuban  interpreter 
hurried   after  and   overtook  them.      How  highly  he 
extolled  these  white  men  !     They  were  good  men,  he 
said,  who  came  from  heaven  and  went  about  the  world 
making  fine  presents.     By  this  means  the  vast  crowd 
of  some  two  thousand  was  conciliated,  and  approached 
the  strangers.     See  them  come  with  slow,  hesitating 
steps,  every  now  and  then  standing  still  and  putting 
their  hands  on  their  heads  as  an  act  of  profound  rev- 
erence ! 

Presently  there  comes  another  large  company,  the 
young  female,  shirted,  ringed,  and  beaded,  borne  on  the 
shoulders  of  two  men  in  front.  She  is  the  object  of 
admiration  to  all,  and  her  husband  gesticulates  en- 
thusiastically, and  in  every  possible  way  expresses  his 
gratitude  for  the  presents  she  has  received. 

The  Spaniards  are  impressed  with  the  appearance 
of  these  natives  as  being  more  finely  formed,  of  fairer 


I 


TV. 

ale,  so  grandly 
ople.     One  may 

the  town  that 
r  her  wonderful 
.d  seen.  A  visi- 
carcely  surprise 
e  Indians.  Co- 
Ivantage  of  this 
t  a  delegation  of 
i  the  community 
About  thirteen 

the  banks  of  a 
n  of  the  natives, 
ses ;  but  every 
uban  interpreter 
How  highly  he 
:e  good  men,  he 
;  about  the  world 
is  the  vast  crowd 

and  approached 

slow,  hesitating 
still  and  putting 
af  profound  rev- 


ge  company, 


the 


ded,  borne  on  the 
is  the  object  of 
gesticulates  en- 

^ay  expresses  his 

eived. 
the  appearance 
formed,  of  fairer 


HOSPITALITY  OF  THE  NATIVES. 


123 


complexion,  and  more  pleasing  in  countenance  than 
any  they  have  yet  seen.  The  kind-hearted  beings 
seem  now  completely  won,  and  invite  their  heavenly 
visitants  to  their  houses,  where  they  set  before  them 
the  usual  cassava-bread,  also  fish,  roots,  and  the  finest 
varieties  of  their  luscious  fruits.  It  was  a  gala-day. 
The  air  was  mild  and  balmy  as  on  a  spring  day  in 
Southern  Spain  ;  the  birds  seemed  in  full  song — surely 
there  could  be  no  winter  in  this  part  of  the  world  ! 

The  unbounded  hospitality  which  the  white  men 
enjoyed  everywhere  among  the  Indians  was  character- 
istic of  this  people.  Whatever  any  one  had  seemed 
free  to  all  without  the  asking.  Any  one  might  enter 
the  simple  dwelling  of  another  and  take  what  he 
wished  as  freely  as  if  it  had  been  his  own.  This  uni- 
versal liberality  was,  no  doubt,  in  part  the  result  of  the 
spontaneous  abundance  of  that  tropical  country  in 
which  they  lived,  and  in  part  the  advantage  of  a 
simple  mode  of  living.  They  realized  to  the  fullest 
extent  Goldsmith's  famous  adage : 

"  Man  wants  but  little  here  below, 
Nor  wants  that  little  long." 

We  can  scarcely  afford  to  pass  by  the  illustrious  par- 
agraph so  often  quoted  from  Peter  Martyr,  an  Italian 
scholar  and  author  at  the  court  of  Spain  in  those  days. 
"It  is  certain,"  he  says,  "  that  the  land  among  these 
people  is  as  common  as  the  sun  and  water ;  and  that 
*  mine  and  thine,'  the  seeds  of  all  mischief,  have  no 
place  with  them.  They  are  content  with  so  little, 
that,  in  so  large  a  country,  they  have  rather  superfluity  ' 
than   scarceness ;   so  that  they  seem   to  live   in   the 


124 


BEAUTIFUL  SIMPIJCITT  OF  LIFE. 


golden  world  without  toil,  living  in  open  gardens,  not 
intrenched  with  dykes,  divided  with  hedges,  or 
defended  with  walls.  They  deal  truly  one  with  another, 
without  laws,  without  books,  and  without  judges. 
They  take  him  for  an  evil  and  mischievous  man  who 
taketh  pleasure  in  doing  hurt  to  another ;  and  albeit 
they  delight  not  in  superfluities,  yet  they  make  pro- 
vision for  the  increase  of  such  roots  whereof  they 
nake  their  bread,  contented  with  such  simple  diet, 
whereby  health  is  preserved  and  disease  avoided." 

This  surely  is  a  pretty  picture  of  human  life.  The 
material  for  it  was,  no  doubt,  derived  by  Martyr  from 
Columbus  himself,  with  whom  he  seems  to  have  been 
intimate  ;  and  we  hope  it  is  true  to  the  once  free  and 
happy  existence  of  a  most  unfortunate  people.  "  All 
concur,"  says  Irving,  "  in  representing  the  life  of  these 
islanders  as  approaching  to  the  golden  state  of  poetical 
felicity  ;  living  under  the  absolute  but  patriarchal  and 
easy  rule  of  their  caciques,  free  from  pride,  with  few 
wants,  an  abundant  cc'^try,  a  happily  tempered  cli- 
mate, and  a  natural  disposition  to  careless  and  indolent 
enjoyment." 


■■  i-  imii^Asmmummsmm>imi»mm»mmmmmimt ' 


LIFE. 


I  gardens,  not 
1  hedges,  or 
with  another, 
thout  judges, 
ous  man  who 
;r ;  and  albeit 
ley  make  pro- 
whereof  they 
1  simple  diet, 
:  avoided." 
lan  life.  The 
^'  Martyr  from 
to  have  been 
ouce  free  and 
people.  "  All 
le  life  of  these 
ate  of  poetical 
atriarchal  and 
ride,  with  few 
tempered  cli- 
s  and  indolent 


CHAPTER  VII. 

THE  SHIPWRFXK  AND  THE  FORT. 

HE  Admiral  was  loth  to  give  up  his  fancied 
island,  Babeque  ;  so  he  made  another  detour 
in  the  vicinity  of  Hayti,  and  to  a  certain 
island  abounding  in  turtles  he  gave  the  name  Tortu- 
gas.  Here  he  saw  a  valley  so  beautiful  that  he  called 
it  the  Vale  of  Paradise,  and  named  a  broad  and  tran- 
quil stream  the  Guadalquiver.  Putting  back  to  Hayti, 
he  found  a  solitary  Indian  in  a  canoe  on  a  rough  sea 
near  midnight.  The  hero,  along  with  his  frail  bark, 
was  taken  on  board  ship  ;  and,  having  been  feasted  and 
set  out  in  European  finery,  was  put  ashore  in  a  good 
harbor  when  they  reached  the  island. 

The  constant  repetition  of  such  conciliatory  acts  on 
the  part  of  Columbus  called  forth  a  most  cordial 
response  from  the  hearts  of  these  savages,  so  that  he 
wrote  to  Santangel  as  follows :  **  True  it  is,  that  after 
they  felt  confidence,  and  los*:  their  fear  of  us,  they 
were  so  liberal  with  what  they  possessed  that  it  would 
not  be  believed  by  those  who  had  not  seen  it.  If  any- 
thing was  asked  of  them,  they  never  said  no,  but 
rather  gave  it  cheerfully,  and  showed  as  much  amity 
as  if  they  gave  their  very  hearts ;  and,  whether  the 
thing  were  of  value  or  of  little  price,  they  were  con- 
tent with  whatever  was  given  in  return.  *  *  *  j^ 
all  these  islands  it  appears  to  me  that  the  men,  are  all 
content  with  one  wife,  but  they  give  twenty  to  their 
chieftain  or  king.     The  women  seem  to  work  more 


126 


THE   rOUNG  CACIQUE. 


\ 


than  the  men,  and  I  have  not  been  able  to  understand 
whether  they  possess  individual  property  ;  but  rather 
think  that  whatever  one  has  all  the  rest  share,  especi- 
ally in  all  articles  of  provision." 

The  presents  made  to  the  hero-Indian  put  ashore 
had  the  desired  effect  Very  soon  the  coast  was  lined 
with  natives ;  and  their  king,  a  young  man  of  twenty- 
one  perhaps,  was  with  them.  One  of  the  Admiral's 
captive  interpreters  undertook  to  explain  to  him  who 
these  strangers  were.  They  had  come  from  heaven, 
he  said,  and  were  going  to  Babeque  to  find  gold!  At 
the  same  time,  he  handed  the  cacique  a  present.  Not 
at  all  struck  with  the  incongruity  of  these  heavenly 
beings  so  intent  on  a  gold  hunt,  but  more  under 
the  gratifying  influence  of  his  present,  the  chieftain 
pointed  his  finger  in  a  certain  direction,  saying 
that  two  days'  sail  that  w^ay  would  take  him  where 
there  was  plenty.  He  then  produced  a  thin  plate  of 
the  precious  metal,  about  as  big  as  his  hand,  and,  cut- 
ting it  in  pieces,  bartered  it  for  trinkets.  Some  of  his 
subjects,  who  had  rude  ornaments  of  gold  in  their  noses 
and  ears,  readily  traded  these  in  like  manner.  Of 
what  value  were  these  bits  of  plain  yellow  to  them, 
compared  with  bits  of  sparkling  glass  and  fragments 
of  painted  dishes ! 

The  young  potentate  now  took  leave,  promising  to 
come  the  next  day  with  more  gold ;  he  assured  them, 
however,  that  there  was  more  of  this  metal  in  Tortugas 
than  in  his  island.  The  next  day,  the  i8th,  there  was 
no  wind,  so  the  Spaniards  occupied  themselves  in  deck- 
ing out  their  ships  and  firing  their  guns  in  memory  of 
the  annunciation   of   the  blessed   Virgin;    and   also 


to  understand 

:y ;  but  rather 

share,  especi- 

an  put  ashore 
oast  was  lined 
lan  of  twenty- 
the  Admiral's 
in  to  him  who 

from  heaven, 
ind  gold !  At 
present.  Not 
lese  heavenly 
;  more  under 
,  the  chieftain 
action,  saying 
ce  him  where 
I  thin  plate  of 
band,  and,  cut- 
Some  of  his 
1  in  their  noses 

manner.  Of 
sllow  to  them, 
and  fragments 

e,  promising  to 
assured  them, 
tal  in  Tortugas 
[8th,  there  was 
selves  in  deck- 
5  in  memory  of 
2^in ;    and   also 


UNCIVILIZED  ROYALTY. 


127 


awaited  the  return  of  the  young  cacique  with  the 
promised  gold. 

In  due  time  the  latter  arrived,  borne  on  a  litter  or 
sort  of  palanquin  on  the  shoulders  of  his  men,  in  true 
oriental  style,  two  hundred  of  his  subjects  accompany- 
ing him.  With  an  air  of  perfect  ease,  he  took  his  seat 
by  the  side  of  the  Admiral,  who  was  just  in  the  midst 
of  his  dinner.  His  two  venerable  counsellors,  who 
almost  worshipped  him,  sat  at  his  feet ;  the  rest  of  his 
followers  stood  without.  The  food  offered  to  him  he 
merely  tasted,  then  passed  it  on  to  his  subjects.  Mean- 
while he  uttered  but  few  words,  and  was  very  dig- 
nified. 

After  dinner  the  Admiral  and  the  young  chief  ex- 
changed presents.  The  latter  gave  a  belt  finely  orna- 
mented and  two  pieces  of  gold ;  and,  as  he  looked  very 
admiringly  on  a  piece  of  rich  cloth  constituting  the 
bed-hangings  of  the  former,  that  was  taken  down  and 
presented  to  him,  along  with  some  amber  beads,  a  pair 
of  red  shoes,  and  a  bottle  of  perfume.  Columbus,  dis- 
playing a  piece  of  Spanish  money  with  the  heads  of 
the  monarchs  stamped  on  it,  some  royal  banners,  and 
the  standard  of  the  cross,  endeavored  to  convey  some 
idea  of  his  country  and  his  religion,  but  the  young 
chieftain  referred  all  these  things  to  some  cLher  world. 
He  could  not  conceive  of  them  as  belonging  to  earth. 

At  night  he  left  in  great  state,  his  presents  borne 
before  him,  a  son  of  his  being  carried  after  him,  on 
the  shoulders  of  one  of  the  most  honorable  men ;  a 
brother  went  a-foot,  "  led  by  the  arms  by  two  honorable 
men,  the  large  concourse  following,  and  the  Spanish 
guns  firing  a  salute  in  honor  of  this  display  of  uncivil- 
ized royalty. 


'I* 


ill 


128 


THRONGS  OF  NATIVES. 


"  This  day,"  writes  the  Admiral,  **  little  gold  was  ob- 
tained, but  an  old  man  indicated  that  at  a  distance  of  a 
hundred  leagues  or  more  were  some  islands  where  ranch 
gold  could  be  found,  and  in  some  it  was  so  plentiful  that 
it  was  collected  and  bolted  with  sieves,  then  melted  and 
beaten  into  divers  forms.  One  of  the  islands  was  said 
to  be  all  gold." 

No  biography  of  Columbus  gives  any  adequate  repre- 
sentation of  the  vast  numbers  of  natives  which  thronged 
him  all  along  this  northwest  cost  of  Hayti  on  his  first  voy- 
age. The  shores  and  harbors  teemed  with  canoes ;  many 
hundreds  who  had  no  canoes  swam  out  for  miles  to  the 
ships.  Men,  women,  and  little  children  vied  with  each 
other  in  bringing  all  the  kinds  of  food  and  other  objects 
of  value  which  they  could  command ;  and,  making  every 
kind  of  sign  and  demonstration  of  cordiality  to  these 
beings  whom  they  hailed  as  from  heaven,  begged  them 
to  abide  with  them.  The  men,  the  ships,  the  European 
wares  and  trinkets,  even  to  the  merest  sliver  of  a  painted 
dish  or  a  bit  of  leather  strap,  was  worth,  in  their  eyes, 
all  the  cotton  or  gold  they  could  command.^  Fearing 
that  this  great  generosity  might  be  imposed  upon  by 
his  greedy  crews  when  they  went  ashore  to  communi- 
cate with  the  natives,  Columbus  sometimes  sent  a  party 
along  to  oversee  the  bartering,  and  prevent  any  robbery 
of  the  natives. 

Whence  comes  that  large,  stately  canoe,  highly 
ornamented,  and  loaded  down  with  such  fine-appear- 
ing natives?  That  is  an  embassy  from  Guacanagari, 
the  grand  cacique  c  (  these  parts.  An  ofiicer  from  his 
court  presents  another    belt — a  broad  one,  profusely 

*  See  the  Journal  of  Columbus  as  preserved  by  Las  Casas. 


e  gold  was  ob- 
1  distance  of  a 
ds  where  much 

0  plentiful  that 
len  melted  and 
ilands  was  said 

■I 
adequate  repre- 
vhich  thronged 
on  his  first  voy- 
i  canoes ;  many 
ar  miles  to  the 
vied  with  each 
id  other  objects 
.,  making  every 
diality  to  these 
1,  begged  them 
!,  the  European 
ver  of  a  painted 
,  in  their  eyes, 
and/  Fearing 
posed  upon  by 
re  to  communi- 
les  sent  a  party 
:nt  any  robbery 

canoe,  highly 
ch  fine-appear- 

1  Guacanagari, 
officer  from  his 
one,  profusely 

f  Las  Casas. 


A  N  EMBA  SS  Y  TO  GUA  CA  NA  GAR  I. 


129 


ornamented  with  colored  beads  and  bones  ;  also  a  sort 
of  figure-head,  with  eyes,  nose,  and  tongue  of  gold. 
The  embassadors  are  not  very  readily  understood  by  the 
interpreters,  this  being  the  first  new  dialect  they  have 
met,  but  the  message  from  the  grand  cacique  evidently 
is  exceedingly  cordial.  He  wishes  the  ships  to  keep  on 
to  the  eastward  till  they  come  in  front  of  his  residence  ; 
then  Columbus  must  call  on  him.  But  the  wind  is 
unfavorable,  so  the  Admiral  sends  a  delegation  to 
convey  his  compliments  to  the  chief,  and  to  say  that 
he  will  call  as  soon  as  possible.  His  residence  is  in  a 
large  town,  well  built  for  that  country,  and  located  on 
a  river.  The  embassy  is  received  with  great  honor  on 
the  public  square,  swept  and  made  ready  for  the  oc- 
casion. After  each  has  been  presented  with  a  sort  of 
dress  made  of  cotton,  the  refreshments  are  brought  on 
after  the  usual  manner.  If  the  natives  see  that  the 
Spaniards  covet  anything,  they  readily  give  it  to  them, 
not  being  willing  to  receive  anything  in  return. 
When  they  can  be  prevailed  on  to  accept  an  article,  it 
is  looked  upon  as  a  most  sacred  memento. 

As  the  chief  cannot  prevail  on  the  strangers  to  stay 
over  night,  he  gives  them  parrots  and  some  bits  of 
gold  for  the  Admiral,  and  sends  men  to  escort  them  to 
their  boats  and  carry  their  presents.  Thus  ended  the 
2  2d  of  December. 

Meanwhile  Columbus  continued  to  be  called  on  by 
great  numbers,  all  of  whom  extolled  the  wealth  of  the 
island.  Cibao,  in  the  interior,  they  said,  abounded  in 
gold,  so  that  the  chief  of  that  mountainous  region  had 
banners  worked  out  of  the  precious  metal.  Now,  as 
usual,  the  Admiral's  oriental  fancies   were  at  work. 


1 30  WRECK  OF  THE  SANTA  MARIA. 

Cibao  must  be  Cipango ;  and  the  cacique  with  gold 
banners  must  be  its  great  prince,  described  by  Marco 
Polo.  These  rumors,  however,  were  at  least  founded 
on  fact ;  for  here  was  the  best  region  of  gold-mines 
found  in  those  parts. 

Before  sunrise  on  the  24th  the  vessels  weighed 
anchor  and  steered  to  the  eastward,  according  to  the 
invitation  of  Guacanagari.  The  wind  from  off  the 
land  was  but  slight,  so  that  the  vessels  made  slow  prog- 
ress, the  sails  often  flapping  in  the  uncertain  puffs  of 
air,  now  from  one  point  and  then  from  another. 

"  Eternal  vigilance "  and  the  most  self-sacrificing 
personal    attention   was    one  of   the    marked    char- 
acteristics of  Columbus  as  a  successful  mariner.     But 
as  he  had  been  on  the  keenest  alert  for  two  days  and 
had  not  slept  the  night  before,  and  the  sea  was  now 
"calm    as  water  in  a  dish,"  to  use  his    own  words, 
and   his  delegation,  just  returned,  had   reported   an 
entire  absence  of  rocks  or  shoals  along  the  coast,  he 
lay  down  to  sleep,  leaving  the  helm  to  an  experienced 
and,  as  he  no  doubt  thought,  trustworthy  seaman.     He, 
too,  soon  retired,  leaving  his  charge  to  a  boy.     This 
was  "  contrary  to  the  express  orders  of  the  Admiral, 
who  had,  throughout  the  voyage,  forbidden,  in  calm  or 
storm,  the  helm  to  be  intrusted  to  a  boy."     Indeed,  all 
hands  seem  to  have  gone  soundly  to  sleep ;  and  the 
ship,  being  left  to  the  currents,  which  run  like  imper- 
ceptible rivers  past  these  islands,  was  carried  onto  a 
sandbar,  or  shoal.    The  keel  grates  on  the  bottom,  and 
the  inexperienced  boy  at  the  helm  is  aroused  from 
his  dreams,  and  cries  out  with  alarm.     Columbus  is  the 
first  on  deck  ;  then   comes   the   master  of  the   ship, 


»i^«««A<KiM« 


/A. 

e  with  gold 

;d  by  Marco 

ast  founded 

gold-mines 

els  weighed 
)rding  to  the 
from  off  the 
de  slow  prog- 
tain  puffs  of 
Dther. 

ilf-sacrificing 
arked  char- 
lariner.  But 
:wo  days  and 
sea  was  now 

own  words, 

reported  an 
the  coast,  he 

experienced 
seaman.  He, 
a  boy.     This 

the  Admiral, 
;n,  in  calm  or 
'  Indeed,  all 
leep ;  and  the 
in  like  imper- 
:arried  onto  a 
le  bottom,  and 
aroused  from 
jlumbus  is  the 
of  the   ship. 


RELIEF  OF  THE  SANTA  MARIA. 


131 


then  others,  till  all  hands,  many  of  them  scarcely  half 
awake,  are  alarmed  at  the  situation,  the  breakers 
roaring  loudly  enough  to  be  heard  several  miles  away. 

The  Admiral  orders  the  master  of  the  ship  to  lower 
the  boat  and  warp  the  vessel  off;  but  he  in  his  cow- 
ardly fright  rows  away  to  the  caravel,  a  distance  of  a 
mile  or  more.  The  commander  of  the  caravel  reproves 
him  for  his  reprehensible  conduct,  mans  his  own  boat, 
and  hastens  to  the  relief  of  the  Santa  Maria.  But  the 
ship  is  lost.  In  vain  her  masts  had  been  cut  away  and 
part  of  the  lading  thrown  overboard  to  lighten  her. 
The  currents  had  forced  her  keel  firmly  into  the  sand, 
and  as  she  was  old  and  almost  rotten  she  soon  sprang 
a  leak,  and  was  forced  over  on  her  side  by  the  break- 
ers. The  crew  was  taken  on  board  of  the  Nina^  and 
a  delegation  sent  to  the  chief  to  report  the  disaster. 
As  there  might  be  other  shoals  in  the  vicinity,  the 
caravel  lay  to  until  the  morning. 

Now  there  occurred  a  demonstration  of  humane 
sentiment  on  the  part  of  this  savage  chieftain  and  his 
people  which  would  do  credit  to  any  civilized  com- 
munity of  modern  times.  When  Guacanagari  heard 
of  the  calamity  which  had  befallen  the  strangers,  he 
wept,  and  immediately  ordered  all  his  people  out,  with 
their  canoes,  to  render  every  possible  aid.  He  himself 
came  also,  and,  organizing  a  sort  of  police  force,  of 
which  he  was  the  head,  all  the  goods  were  removed 
from  the  shipwreck  and  guarded  in  safety  till  he  could 
vacate  several  of  his  largest  houses  to  shelter  them. 
Though  there  was  so  much  that  was  valuable  and 
curious  which  these  savages  might  have  coveted,  noth- 
ing was  stolen ;  and  such  was  the  care  in  handling 


X3a 


SYMPATHY  OF  THE  SA  VAGES. 


that  scarcely  anything  to  the  *'  value  of  a  pin  "  was 
injured.  Sir  Arthur  Helps  quaintly  says,  "The 
wreckers'  trade  might  flourish  in  Cornwall,  but,  like 
other  crimes  of  civilization,  it  was  unknown  in  St. 
Domingo." 

In  the  midst  of  the  hurry  and  bustle  to  and  fro,  the 
chief  would  every  now  and  then  send  some  member  of 
his  family  to  comfort  the  Admiral,  assuring  him  that 
everything  he  had  was  at  his  command.  "  The  people, 
as  well  as  the  king,"  says  Columbus,  "  shed  tears  in 
abundance." 

All  that  day  the  removal  of  the  ship's  goods  went 
on,  and  all  the  next  night  the  friendly  savages  stood 
guard.  No  wonder  Columbus  wrote  in  his  journal, 
"  So  loving,  so  tractable,  so  peaceable  are  these  people, 
that  I  swear  to  your  majesties  there  is  not  in  the 
world  a  better  nation,  nor  a  better  land.  They  love 
their  neighbors  as  themselves,  and  their  discourse  is 
ever  sweet  and  gentle,  and  accompanied  with  a  smile  ; 
and  though  it  is  true  that  they  are  naked,  yet  their 
manners  are  decorous  and  praiseworthy." 

After  the  shipwreck,  Columbus  and  his  men  were 
crowded  on  board  the  Nina.  Guacanagari  called  on 
him  and,  seeing  how  depressed  he  was,  shed  tears  of 
sympathy,  and  assured  him,  as  he  had  often  done  be- 
fore, that  he  would  do  all  in  his  power  to  aid  him. 
"  While  the  Admiral  was  conversing  with  him,  a  canoe 
arrived  from  another  place,  with  Indians  bringing 
pieces  of  gold  which  they  wanted  to  exchange  for 
hawk's  bells,  these  being  held  in  special  value  among 
ihem  ;  before  the  canoe  reached  the  vessel,  the  Indians 
called  out,  showing  the  gold,  and  crying  chug,  chug^ 

'Take,  Take. 


)f  a  pin"  was 

says,   "The 

wall,  but,  like 

known  in   St. 

to  and  fro,  the 

me  member  of 

iring  him  that 

"  The  people, 

shed  tears  in 

p's  goods  went 
savages  stood 
ti  his  journal, 
e  these  people, 

is  not  in  the 
[.  They  love 
ir  discourse  is 

with  a  smile ; 
aked,  yet  their 

his  men  were 
agari  called  on 
,  shed  tears  of 
often  done  be- 
;r  to  aid  him. 
h  him,  a  canoe 
lians  bringing 
exchange  for 
I  value  among 
5el,  the  Indians 


A  ROYAL  INDIAN  DINNER. 


\%% 


for  the  hawk's  bells,  and  seemed  ready  to  go  mad  after 
them ;  the  other  canoes  setting  off,  they  requested  the 
Admiral  to  preserve  a  hawk's  bell  for  them,  and  they 
would  bring  him  in  return  four  pieces  of  gold  as  big 
as  his  head.*  When  the  chieftain  saw  the  countenance 
of  the  Admiral  light  up  at  these  tidings,  he  assured 
him  that  there  was  a  place  in  the  mountains  where 
this  metal  was  abundant,  and  he  could  get  him  all  he 
wanted.  Thus  we  see  that  the  gold-bearing  rocks  of 
Cibao,  and  those  mountain  streams  in  which  gold 
was  to  be  found  mingled  with  the  sand,  sometimes  in 
great  nuggets,  was  well  known. 

After  the  cacique  had  dined  with  the  Admiral,  he 
urged  him  to  come  and  eat  with  him.  The  meal  pre- 
pared was  as  sumptuous  as  could  be  procured.  The 
coney-like  animal  called  the  utia  was  served,  various 
kinds  of  savory  fishes,  roots,  and  the  most  luscious 
fruits.  This  primitive  banquet  in  the  wilderness, 
among  savages,  was  a  study  to  the  Spaniards.  How 
sympathizing  and  cheerful  Guacanagari  was,  doing 
everything  possible  to  please  his  guest  and  divert  his 
mind  from  his  misfortune.  How  delicately  and  ab- 
stemiously he  ate,  washing  his  hands  when  done,  and 
rubbing  them  with  odoriferous  herbs.  How  gentle 
and  dignified  was  his  bearing.  How  kindly  he  treated 
his  subjects,  who  almost  worshipped  him. 

When  the  feast  was  over,  the.  cacique,  dressed  up  in 
his  shirt  and  gloves  which  the  Admiral  had  just  given 
him,  conducted  the  Spaniards  out  into  his  beautiful 
groves,  where  they  met  about  a  thousand  of  his  naked 
subjects,  all  ready  to  divert  the  strangers  with  their 

'  Columbus's  journal  by  Las  Casas. 


1^4    liiyrfi/rrA/yw/z-xr  wirii  FiiiE-AHMs. 

MwwfAW^  jj^.'inics.  These  wood-nymphs  performed  their 
wild  dances,  aecompiinied  by  their  wicrd  son^s  aiul 
the  beatiuj,^  of  a  kiiul  of  rude  drum  made  from  the 
trunk  of  a  hoHow  tree.  vSome  of  them  had  the  little 
hawk's  bells,  brouj^^ht  by  the  vSpaniards,  struni;-  about 
them,  and  as  these  tinkled  and  jint^led  to  their  en- 
thusiastic movements  they  were  almost  frantic  with 
delight.  It  mu.st  have  been  a  truly  novel  and  an- 
imated scene ! 

When   the   Indians   had   done   their  best   to  drive 
melancholy  from  the  mind  of  Columbus,  he  thought  it 
was   his  turn   to  do  something  to  divert  them.     Now 
was  the  time  to  impress  them  with  the  military  power 
of  the  white  men  ;    so  he  first  brought  out  his  Moorish 
bows  and  quivers  of  arrows,  which  some  of  his  men  had 
learned  to  use  in  the  wars  of  Granada.      When  the 
chief  saw  how  exactly  these  huge  arrows  would  hit  the 
mark  as  they  went  whizzing  through  the  air,  he  was 
astonished  at  their  force.      His  enemies,  the  Caribs, 
who  made  raids  on   his  island  and  stole  his  people, 
also  had  bows  and  arrows,  he  said.    Aye,  but  Columbus 
told  him  he  had  other  kinds  of  weapons  much  more 
terrible  than  these,  with  which  he  would  drive  the 
Caribs  away.     So  he  ordered  out  an  aiquebus,  a  large 
gun  supported  by  a  rest,  and  also  a  heavy  cannon. 
At  the  stunning  report  of  these,  the  natives  fell  to  the 
ground  as  if  they  themselves  had  been  shot.     When 
they  recovered  from  the  shock  and  rose  up,  they  were 
terrified  at  the  sight  of  the  trees,  all  shivered  and 
splintered.      This  was  the  thunder  and  the  lightning 
which  these  strangers  from  heaven  could  command  I 
Surely  they  could  protect  them  from    their   dreaded 
enemies,  the  Caribs  I 


IK'rfonued  their 
icrcl  soji^s  and 
made  from  the 
1  had  the  little 
Is,  struni>-  about 
ed  to  their  en- 
3St  frantic  with 
novel  and  an- 

r  best   to  drive 
IS,  he  thonpht  it 
ert  them.     Now 
;  military  power 
out  his  Moorish 
e  of  his  men  had 
ida.      When  the 
ws  would  hit  the 
1  the  air,  he  was 
lies,  the  Caribs, 
stole  his  people, 
■e,  but  Columbus 
ons  much  more 
would  drive  the 
Liquebus,  a  large 
1  heavy  cannon, 
atives  fell  to  the 
:en  shot.     When 
ise  up,  they  were 
ill  shivered  and 
id  the  lightning 
could  command ! 
n    their   dreaded 


EXCHANGE  OF  PUESENTS. 


135 


Again  the  order  of  things  was  changed.  The  feast 
and  the  entertainment  being  over,  the  time  was  come 
to  make  presents.  The  cacique  gave  the  Adnural  a 
wooden  mask  ingeniously  carved,  the  eyes,  ears,  and 
other  parts  being  heavily  ornamented  with  gold.  He 
also  hung  plates  of  gold  about  his  neck,  and  put  a 
rude  crown  of  gold  upon  his  head.  He  then  made 
presents  to  others  of  the  Spaniards  in  the  most  munifi- 
cent manner. 

Various  presents  were  made  by  Columbus  and  his 
men  in  return.  We  hope  they  were  in  some  way 
equal  to  the  valuable  items  they  received.  However 
trifling  some  of  their  gifts  may  have  been,  the  Indians 
were  perfectly  fascinated  with  the  merest  trinkets, 
smelling  of  them — they  seemed  to  have  tested  every- 
thing, even  to  gold,  by  the  sense  of  smell — and  calling 
them  tnycy — that  is,  from  heaven.  A  bit  of  rusty  iron 
or  a  fragment  of  leather  was  invested  with  a  charm. 
Las  Casas,  the  friend  and  apostle  of  the  Indians,  re- 
lates an  amusing  incident  of  one  of  them  who  brought 
a  half  handful  of  gold-dust  for  a  hawk's  bell,  that 
most  favorite  toy,  and  was  so  impressed  with  the  idea 
that  he  had  the  best  of  the  bargain,  that  he  ran  like  a 
deer  into  the  woods,  every  now  and  then  looking  be- 
hind him,  lest  the  white  men,  repenting  of  their  side 
of  the  trade,  should  pursue  him. 

All  in  all,  there  had  been  so. much  gold  brought  in, 
and  so  much  had  been  said  by  the  natives  about  the 
gold  to  be  found  in  the  mountains  of  Cibao,  in  the  in- 
terior, that  Columbus  concluded  this  to  be  the  place  to 
found  a  colony.  Then  his  men  were  so  elated  with  the 
easy  life  in  so  voluptuous  a  climate  that  they  dreaded 


1^6  BUILDING  THE  FORT. 

the  discipline  on  board  ship  and  the  crowded  condition 
in  which  they  would  have  to  be,  returning  to  Spain  in 
one  small  vessel.     Columbus,  therefore,  conceived  the 
plan  of  building  a  fort  out  of  the  timbers  of  the  wrecked 
ship,  and  arming  it  with  her  guns.     All  were  enthusi- 
astic over  this  scheme,  even  the  Indians,  who  thought 
it  would  be  an  admirable  defence  against  their  enemies, 
the  Caribs.     Between  the  Spaniards  and  the  natives, 
the  work  went  on  so  energetically  that  the  fort,  called 
La  Navidad,  or  the  Nativity,  from  the  time  of  year  in 
which  the  wreck  occurred,  was  completed  in  ten  days. 
During  this  time  of  anxiety  on  the  part  of  Colum- 
bus concerning  the  desertion  of  the  Pinta  and  the  dan- 
ger of  taking  so  many  back  to  Spain  in  one  small, 
crazy  vessel,  he  must  have  been  greatly  diverted  and 
comforted  by  Guacanagari,  who  appropriated  to  his  use 
the  largest  house  in  the  place,  carpeted  with  palm- 
leaves  and  furnished  with  stools  made  of  some  dark 
wood  like  ebony.     Scarcely  ever  did  the  Admiral  come 
on  shore  without  receiving  some  valuable  present.    The 
cacique  told  him  he  wished  he  could  cover  him  all  over 
with  gold  before  he  went  away,  or  rather  that  he  would 
not  go  at  all.     Once  his  benefactor  called  on  him  with 
five  subordinate  caciques,  each  bringing  a  crown  of  gold. 
They  escorted  him  to  the  house  abpve  referred  to,  and 
seated  him  on  one  of  the  stools.     Then  Guacanagari 
took  the  crown  of  gold  from  his  own  head  and  put  it 
on  the  head  of  Columbus.    How  natural  that  the  latter, 
moved  by  such  affectionate  liberality,  should  take  an 
elegant  collar  made  of  beads  from  his  own  neck  and 
put  it  around  the  neck  of  the  chief,  clothe  him  in  his 
own  mantle  of  beautiful  scarlet  cloth,  put  colored  boots 


^ 


RT. 

crowded  condition 
ruing  to  Spain  in 
ore,  conceived  the 
lers  of  the  wrecked 

All  were  enthusi- 
iians,  who  thought 
iust  their  enemies, 
3  and  the  natives, 
hat  the  fort,  called 
le  time  of  year  in 
pleted  in  ten  days, 
he  part  of  Colum- 
Pinta  aud  the  dan- 
Dain  in  one  small, 
reatly  diverted  and 
ropriated  to  his  use 
rpeted  with  palm- 
ade  of  some  dark 
.  the  Admiral  come 
lable  present.    The 

cover  him  all  over 
ther  that  he  would 
called  on  him  with 
ing  a  crown  of  gold. 
»ve  referred  to,  and 
Then  Guacanagari 
vn  head  and  put  it 
ural  that  the  latter, 
ty,  should  take  an 

his  own  neck  and 
f,  clothe  him  in  his 
1,  put  colored  boots 


WEALTH  OF  THE  ISLAND. 


"^11 


on  his  feet  and  a  large  silver  ring  on  his  hand.  This 
last  present  was  of  more  value  than  gold  to  the  Indians, 
for  they  had  no  silver  in  Hayti.  While  this  feast  was 
in  progress  an  Indian  called  to  say  that  he  had  seen 
the  Pinta  in  a  harbor  to  the  eastward  two  days  pre- 
vious. A  canoe  was  dispatched,  but  it  did  not  succeed 
in  finding  the  absconding  vessel. 

Columbus  now  had  fabulous  conceptions  of  the  wealth 
of  this  island,  and  began  to  look  upon  all  the  circum- 
stances which  brought  about  his  shipwreck  as  a 
special  providence ;  otherwise  he  would  not  have  been 
detained  long  enough  to  discover  its  immense  resources, 
which  he  believed  would  be  sufficient  to  enable  the  sov- 
ereigns of  Spain  to  undertake  the  recovery  of  the  Holy 
Sepulchre  in  three  years.  By  the  time  he  returned 
from  Spain  those  whom  he  would  leave  in  the  fort 
would  be  able  to  collect  a  ton  of  gold,  besides  the  spices 
aud  other  precious  articles  they  might  accumulate. 
How  sanguine  and  visionary  was  our  hero ! 

The  fort,  a  huge  wooden  tower,  built  over  a  vault 
surrounded  by  a  ditch,  mounted  with  the  guns  from  the 
wrecked  ship  and  well  supplied  with  ammunition,  would 
overawe  the  natives  and  keep  his  men  under  discipline. 
These  latter  were  so  well  pleased  with  the  life  thus 
anticipated  that  he  came  near  having  to  return  alone  to 
Spain.  Precisely  how  many  he  left  in  the  fortress  was 
for  some  time  uncertain,  as  the  early  accounts  diflfer ; 
but  Navarrete  found  a  pay-list  due  the  relatives,  in  which 
the  forty  names  constituting  the  garrison  were  given. 
One  of  these  was  an  Irishman  and  another  an  English- 
man. Diago  de  Arana,  a  cousin  of  Beatrix  and  a  per- 
son of  distinction  in  the  armament,  was  made  com- 


138 


PARTING  ADVICE. 


I 


mander.  The  long  boat  of  the  Santa  Maria  was  left 
for  their  convenience ;  also  articles  for  traffic,  bread  and 
wine  for  more  than  a  year,  and  seeds  for  a  plantation. 
Snch  artisans  as  might  be  needed  were  also  carefully 
appointed  to  remain. 

If  these  men  had  taken  heed  to  the  excellent  address 
the  Admiral  gave  them  before  his  departure,  no  doubt 
all  would  have  been  well  with  them  ;  but  his  charge- 
that  they  should  obey  the  officers,  keep  closely  together, 
remember  the  kindness  of  Guacanagari  and  his  people; 
be  wise,  just,  and  peaceable  in  their  intercourse  with  the 
natives,  and,  above  all,  to  be  chaste  in  their  conduct 
with  the  native  females — was  wholly  ignored  as  soon  as 
Columbus  had  departed.  Hence  the  terrible  disasters 
which  followed.  " 

The  2d  of  January,  the  d.iy  before  the  appointment  for 
departure,  arrived,  and  Columbus  went  on  shore  to  take 
formal  leave  of  the  Indians.  Some  order  or  ceremony,  so 
to  speak,  was  desirable.  In  the  house  set  apart  for  him 
he  spread  a  feast  in  true  European  magnificence,  during 
which  he  cordially  commended  the  men  he  was  about 
to  leave  behind  to  the  kindly  offices  of  the  cacique.  He 
would  soon  be  back  again  from  Spain,  he  said ;  then  he 
would  bring  an  abundance  of  such  articles  and  jewels 
as  they  had  not  yet  seen. 

What  could  be  more  appropriate  at  such  a  time  than 
a  mock-fight  by  his  men  ?  So  he  ordered  out  the  lances, 
cross-bows,  swords,  arquebuses,  and  cannon,  the  men 
appearing  in  quite  a  military  array.  The  skilful 
mancEUvres  with  gleaming  swords  and  bucklers,  as  the 
men  rushed  forward  in  attack  and  then  fell  back  in  reg- 
ular order,  with  the   clang  of    swords  and  lances  on 


I  Maria  was  left 
traffic,  bread  and 
for  a  plantation. 
;re  also  carefully 

excellent  address 
parture,  no  doubt 
but  his  charge — 
» closely  together, 
ri  and  his  people; 
tercourse  with  the 
in  their  conduct 
jnored  as  soon  as 
terrible  disasters 

e  appointment  for 
t  on  shore  to  take 
er  or  ceremony,  so 
;  set  apart  for  him 
gnificence,  during 
nen  he  was  about 
the  cacique.  He 
,  he  said ;  then  he 
rticles  and  jewels 

such  a  time  than 
red  out  the  lances, 
cannon,  the  men 
ay.  The  skilful 
i  bucklers,  as  the 
;n  fell  back  in  reg- 
ds  and  lances  on 


ASTONISHMENT  OF  THE  NATIVES. 


139 


helmet  and  buckler,  gave  great  animation  to  the  scene. 
The  natives  were  astonished  at  the  execution  of  these 
implements  of  war ;  and  when  the  cannon  sent  a  shot 
through  the  hull  of  the  wreck  lying  in  the  harbor,  and 
also  shattered  the  forests,  they  looked  with  trembling  fear 
on  the  clouds  of  smoke  which  rolled  up  over  the  waters 
and  beyond  the  tree-tops.  But  if  this  suggested  any  cloud 
to  the  mind  it  was  one  with  a  silver  edge.  If  the  power 
of  these  wliite  men  was  as  grand  as  the  mightiest  forces 
of  nature,  all  the  better  ;  they  could  the  more  readily 
defend  them  against  the  cruel  Caribs. 

When  Guacanagari  saw  the  Admiral  making  ready 
to  depart,  he  was  much  distressed.  One  of  the  Indians 
told  the  latter  that  the  former  had  ordered  his  statue  to 
oe  made  of  gold,  "  as  large  as  life." 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


THE   RETURN   TO  SPAIN. 

fOLUMBUS  had  taken  most  affectionate  leave 
of  Guacanagari,  who  shed  tears  at  the  part- 
ing. Those  who  were  to  return  home  and  those 
who  were  to  remain  in  this  strange  land  had  tenderly 
embraced  each  other.  The  ship  had  been  detained  one 
day  in  waiting  for  the  Indians  who  were  to  go  to  Spain ;. 
but  on  the  morning  of  January  4th  the  signal-gun  was 
fired,  and  the  Nina  having  been  towed  out,  her  sails 
swelled  to  a  light  breeze  and  she  stood  away  to  the  hori- 
zon. The  cheers  from  those  departing,  heartily  responded 
to  by  those  on  the  shore,  died  away,  and  the  latter  were 
gazing  wistfully  on  the  white  specks  against  the  sky, 
which  soon  disappeared. 

The  island  scenery  along  which  the  caravels  passed 
was  very  varied.  Here  was  a  mountain-point  shaped 
like  a  cone,  treeless  and  covered  with  bright  green 
grass,  the  land  being  so  low  toward  the  main  as  to 
make  the  point  look  like  a  little  island.  There  were 
lofty  mountain  ranges  in  the  distance,  the  blue,  rocky 
crests  surmounting  the  long  slopes  of  rich  and  varied 
verdure,  sharply  outlined  against  the  sky  ;  and  the  fruit- 
ful level  along  the  coast,  reaching  inward  here  and  there, 
formed  valleys  through  which  flowed  copious  streams. 
Every  hour,  as  the  caravel  moved  along,  the  point  of 
view  was  changing.  To  Columbus,  so  singularly  alive 
to  the  charms  of  nature,  this  must  have  been  like  the 
disclosure  of  a  beautiful  vision. 


PINZON'S  EXCUSE. 


141 


.ffectiouate  leave 
ears  at  the  part- 

1  home  and  those 
id  had  tenderly 
;en  detained  one 
•e  to  go  to  Spain;. 

2  signal-gun  was 
ed  out,  her  sails 
iway  to  the  hori- 
;artily  responded 
d  the  latter  were 
against  the  sky, 

;  caravels  passed 
ain-point  shaped 
th  bright  green 
the  main  as  to 
nd.  There  were 
,  the  blue,  rocky 
F  rich  and  varied 
:y  ;  and  the  fruit- 
d  here  and  there, 
copious  streams, 
ong,  the  point  of 
I  singularly  alive 
ive  been  like  the 


Much  of  the  time,  however,  they  were  baffled  by  head- 
winds. On  the  6th,  as  they  were  beating  against  a  stiff 
breeze  from  the  east,  the  man  watching  at  the  mast- 
head cried  out—"  The  Pinta  !  "  That  swift-sailing  craft 
was  sweeping  on  toward  them,  with  all  her  canvaj 
spread  before  the  wind.  The  sight  brought  both  joy 
and  pain  to  the  Admiral. 

Putting  about  to  find  a  harbor  for  anchorage,  he  sig- 
nalled the  Pinta  to  follow.  Pinzon  obeyed  orders,  and 
made  the  best  excuse  he  could  for  leaving  the  fleet.  An 
unfavorable  wind  had  carried  him  away  from  the  Ad- 
miral, he  said,  and  he  had  ever  since  been  trying  to  find 
him.  This  was  a  weak  apology,  but  it  would  not  be 
wise  for  Columbus  to  break  with  his  ablest  colleague, 
who  had  so  many  relatives  and  friends  among  the  crews, 
so  he  made  the  most  of  it.  He  had,  however,  one 
friend  on  the  Pinta^  who  secretly  gave  him  the  explana- 
tion. An  Indian  on  that  vessel  had  been  pointing  to 
the  east  to  designate  a  place  abounding  in  the  '*  yellow 
metal  ''''—gold !  Pinzon,  knowing  the  speed  of  his  craft, 
spread  all  his  sail  to  the  wind,  in  order  to  monopolize 
the  treasure.  After  being  much  perplexed  in  a  laby- 
rinth of  islands,  none  of  which  showed  any  signs  of 
gold,  he  was  piloted  by  the  Indians  to  Hayti.  Entering 
a  river  and  opening  up  trade  with  the  natives,  he  had 
obtained  quite  a  quantity  of  the  precious  metal,'  half  of 
which  he  kept  for  himself,  and^  distributed  the  rest 
among  his  crew  as  hush-money. 

While  this  trading  was  going  on,  the  natives  had 

>  Las  Casas  says:  "The  Admiral  states  that  in  this  time  he  obtained 
much  gold  by  trading,  buying  for  a  thong  of  leather  pieces  as  big  as  the  two 
fingers,  and  at  times  as  big  as  the  hand."  r. 


.    S*l'.i(l»»«l,'*H«5^'5*- 


142 


THE  lilVER  OF  GOLD. 


told  Columbus,  during  his  erection  of  the  fort,  that 
another  "  big  canoe  "  like  his  was  in  a  harbor  to  the 
eastward ;  and  he  had  sent  out  some  Spaniards  in  a 
canoe,  with  natives  to  manage  it,  hoping  to  find  his 
absconding  captain  ;  but  they  had  not  been  able  to 
verify  the  report,  which  now,  however,  was  made  prob- 
able. 

This  disclosure  of  bad  faith  on  the  part  of  Pinzon 
determined  Columbus  to  go  back  to  Spain  as  speedily 
as  possible,  without  taking  further  chances  for  mu- 
tiny. Otherwise  he  would  have  tried  to  explore  the 
coast  somewhat,  in  hope  of  finding  enough  of  some 
kind  of  treasure  to  at  least  ballast  his  caravels  for  the 
homeward  voyage. 

On  the  8th  the  Admiral  entered  the  mouth  of  a  river 
in  a  boat  with  his  men  to  get  fresh  water.  The  river 
was  wide  and  deep  at  the  mouth,  and  the  sand  at  the 
bottom  gleamed  with  gold-dust.  Many  grains  were  as 
large  as  lentils,  and  the  finer  grains  were  very  abun- 
dant. On  returning  to  their  ships,  they  found  "  bits 
of  gold  between  the  hoops  "  of  their  casks.  So  the 
Admiral  named  this  the  River  of  Gold. 

As  night  came  on,  the  9th,  the  vessels  were  again  in 
company  on  the  way  to  Spain.  The  next  day,  when 
they  came  into  the  harbor  where  Pinzon  had  been 
trading  for  gold,  the  natives  complained  to  Columbus 
that  the  former  had  kidnapped  four  of  their  men  and 
two  young  girls.  On  making  search,  they  were  found 
on  the  Pinta.  As  Pinzon  intended  carrying  them 
away  as  slaves,  Columbus  released  them,  fairly  bur- 
dening them  with  presents,  partly  in  compensation  for 
the  wrong  they  had  suffered,  and  partly  for  the  concili- 


BATTLE  ARRAr. 


M3 


r  the  fort,  that 
a  harbor  to  the 
Spaniards  in  a 
>ing  to  find  his 
it  been  able  to 
was  made  prob- 

part  of  Pinzon 
lain  as  speedily 
hances  for  mn- 

to  explore  the 
nough  of  some 
caravels  for  the 

nouth  of  a  river 
iter.  The  river 
the  sand  at  the 
T  grains  were  as 
ire  re  very  abun- 
ley  found  "  bits 
casks.     So  the 

is  were  again  in 
aext  day,  when 
izon  had  been 
ed  to  Columbus 
their  men  and 
they  were  found 
carrying  them 
lem,  fairly  bur- 
ampensation  for 
J  for  the  concili- 


ating effect  which  might  thus  be  produced  on  the 
natives  of  the  locality.  But  this  only  made  the  breach 
wider  between  the  Admiral  and  his  lieutenant,  who 
became  very  angry  and  reproached  him  with  bitter 
words. 

Again  the  caravels  are  under  way  with  a  favorable 
wind,  and  turning  a  point  now  called  Cape  Cabron 
they  come  upon  a  race  of  savages  quite  different  from 
those  they  have  hitherto  met.  Are  they  Caril  s  ?  Is 
this  apparent  inlet  a  channel  isolating  this  peculiar 
people  from  the  mainland?  They  are  hideously 
painted,  their  long  hair  is  tied  behind  and  ornamented 
with  the  feathers  of  brilliant  birds ;  they  are  armed 
with  war-clubs  and  bows  of  immense  size  and  strength, 
from  which  they  shoot  great  arrows  made  of  hollow 
reeds  and  pointed  with  the  hardest  wood,  bone,  or  the 
tooth  of  a  fish.  Evidently  they  are  fierce  warriors, 
made  so,  no  doubt,  by  the  near  vicinity  of  the  Caribs. 
They  can  shoot  their  arrows  almost  with  the  force  of  a 
rifle-ball,  and  their  swords,  made  of  a  wood  almost  as 
tough  and  heavy  as  iron,  are  "no.  sharp,"  says  Las 
Casas,  *'  but  broad,  of  nearly  the  thickness  of  two 
fingers,  and  capable,  with  one  blow,  of  cleaving 
through  a  helmet  to  the  very  brains." 

Savage  and  horrid  as  they  appeared,  they  made  no 
attack,  but  one  of  them  came  on  board  ship  with  bows 
and  arrows  to  sell.  Making  signs  and  gestures  in  the 
most  enthusiastic  manner,  he  succeeded  in  impressing 
some  very  strange  notions  on  Columbus,  who  somehow 
understood  that  there  was  an  island  not  far  off  in- 
habited entirely  by  women,  and  that  these  were 
occasionally  visited  by  the  Caribs.     Of  the  children 


144 


MERMAIDS  AND  AMAZONS. 


born  of  these  Amazons,  the  males  were  carried  away 
by  the  fathers,  bnt  the  females  were  left  to  keep  up 
the  feminine  stock.  To  what  extent  the  savage  was 
responsible  for  imparting  such  a  notion  is  not  for  us 
to  say,  but  the  Admiral  at  once  recalled  Marco  Polo's 
account  of  two  islands  near  the  coast  of  Asia,  the  one 
inhabited  by  men  and  the  other  by  women,  between 
which  precisely  the  same  kind  of  intercourse  existed. 

From  the  same  source  Columbus  learned  that  there 
were  mermaids — that  is,  sea-maids — in  these  parts.  In 
fact  he  saw  them  himself,  he  claims,  swimming  with 
their  human  faces  high  above  the  waves,  and  he  had 
previously  seen  the  same  on  the  coast  of  Africa.  But 
as  they  rose  out  of  the  sea  they  did  not  possess  the 
Venus  beauty  with  which  poetic  fancy  had  invested 
them.  They  are  supposed  to  have  been  manatees,  or 
sea-cows,  in  the  distance. 

But  we  must  not  laugh  too  heartily  at  these  absurd- 
ities. There  is  no  telling  what  we  might  have  believed 
had  we  lived  before  the  era  in  which  natural  history 
has  reduced  all  things  to  the  consistency  of  1^  and 
order  as  implied  in  the  great  systems  of  nature.  Had 
Cuvier  not  been  a  naturalist,  he,  too,  might  have  be- 
lieved in  winged  horses  and  fire-breathing  bulls. 

All  in  all,  Columbus  was  perplexed  as  to  the  charac- 
ter and  intent  of  his  savage  guest.  Did  he  come  on 
board  ship  out  of  mere  natural  curiosity,  or  was  he 
a  spy  ?  His  fierce,  warrior-like  aspect  might  imply  the 
latter.  On  the  other  hand,  his  frank,  communicative 
manner  might  simply  indicate  an  attempt  to  cultivate 
acquaintance  and  perhaps  a  little  trade  with  these 
remarkable  strangers.     Anyhow,  the  Admiral  would 


sA^^ii^msia^^f--- 


e  carried  away 
left  to  keep  up 
the  savage  was 
on  is  not  for  us 
d  Marco  Polo's 
jf  Asia,  the  one 
ivomen,  between 
:ourse  existed, 
irned  that  there 
Lhese  parts.  In 
swimming  with 
Lves,  and  he  had 
of  Africa.  But 
tiot  possess  the 
:y  had  invested 
en  manatees,  or 

at  these  absurd- 
ht  have  believed 

natural  history 
:ency  of  Is^v  and 
jf  nature.  Had 
might  have  be- 
ing bulls, 
as  to  the  charac- 
Did  he  come  on 
)sity,  or  was  he 
might  imply  the 
,  communicative 
mpt  to  cultivate 
rade  with   these 

Admiral  would 


7//E  BATTLE   WITlf  THE  NATIVES. 


145 


first  try  to  conciliate  him  by  kindness.  Having  feasted 
him  and  made  him  quite  liberal  presents  of  "  beads 
and  pieces  of  red  and  green  cloth,"  he  sent  him  on 
shore,  hoping  at  least  to  get  some  of  the  weapons  used 
by  these  people,  in  order  to  take  them  to  Spain  as 
curiosities.  Or  perhaps  they  might  open  a  trade  for 
gold. 

As  the  boat  neared  the  shore,  some  fifty  or  more,  all 
armed  with  their  rude  weapons,  appeared,  peering  out 
here  and  there  among  tlie  trees.  At  first  they  laid 
down  their  arms  and  came  to  the  boat ;  but,  after  sell- 
ing two  of  their  large  bows,  they  seemed  to  take  alarm, 
ran  back  and  got  their  weapons,  and  also  a  supply  of 
cords,  as  if  they  would  capture  and  bind  the  vSpaniards. 
The  latter,  attacking  them  in  true  warlike  spirit, 
wounded  several  in  the  "  breast  with  their  cross-bows, 
and  one  in  the  posterior  with  a  .sword."  All  the  rest 
fled,  "  leaving  their  weapons  scattered  here  and  there." 

Columbus  was  pained  at  the  necessity  for  this  first 
shedding  of  blood  in  the  New  World.  How  would  it 
affect  the  little  garrison  at  La  Navidad  ?  It  might 
at  least  mar  that  peace  and  good-will  which  he  had 
hoped  to  maintain  with  these  people. 

The  next  morning  his  fears  were  removed.  The 
natives  appeared  on  the  beach  in  large  numbers,  in  the 
most  peaceful  and  friendly  manner.  The  Admiral 
sent  on  shore  a  large  boat-load  of  men  well  armed, 
and  they  were  most  cordially  received.  Indeed,  here 
was  the  cacique  himself,  holding  in  his  hand  the  string 
of  shells,  the  '*  wampum  belt,"  at  once  the  symbol  and 
pledge  of  peace.  He  wished  this  to  be  carried  to  the  Ad- 
miral.  Presently  he  came  to  the  boat  himself,  with  only 


1  ^6  ^'^^'^  •^'  TING   TJin  NA  TI VES. 

three  attendants,  and  embarked  for  the  caravels  as  free 
and  friendly  as  if  nothing  had  happened. 

The  Admiral  appreciated  this  noble  frankness,  and 
made  the  interview  as  pleasant  as  possible.  Indeed,  he 
was  strongly  impressed  with  the  generons  magnanimity 
of  this  chieftain.  He  took  him  all  through  the  caravel, 
showed  him  everything  which  he  thought  might  gratify 
his  curiosity,  and  feasted  him  with  that  peculiar  delicacy 
to  the  Indians— biscuits  and  honey.  Presenting  him 
with  "  a  red  cap,  some  beads,  and  red  cloth,''  he  sent 
him  ashore  in  a  manner  becoming  his  dignity  and 
character. 

As  the  chief  returned  to  his  home,  some  distance  in 
the  interior,  he  sent  to  Columbus  his  own  crown  of 
gold.  What  became  of  all  these  coronets  of  gold 
presented  to  Columbus  by  the  caciques  ?  Did  they  gild 
the  royal  saloons  of  Spain,  or  go  to  the  mint  ?  How 
invaluable  they  would  now  be  in  our  museums ! 

During  the  few  more  days  spent  by  the  Spaniards  in 
the  Gulf  the  most  friendly  relations  continued,  the 
nativesbringing  cotton,  fruits,  and  vegetables,  but  always 
carrying  their  weapons,  a&  if  not  quite  assured  of  their 
safetv.  As  four  of  the  young  men  were  very  commu- 
nicative concerning  certain  islands  to  the  eastward,  and 
were  very  friendly,  Columbus  prevailed  on  them  to  go 
with  them  as  gtiides.*  Associating  incident  with  place, 
Columbus  called  this  the  "  Gulf  of  Arrows."  It  is  now 
called  the  Gulf  of  Samana. 

Who  were  these  fierce,  warrior-like  people?  They 
were  indeed  quite  different  from  the  rest  of  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Hayti.     They  were  the  Ciguayans,  mountain- 

'  Columbus  acknowledged  in  his  journal  that  "  it  was  impossible  for  them 
to  learn  much  of  the  country  while  they  were  ignorant  of  the  language,  and 
were  several  days  in  making  the  people  understand  a  single  thing." 


ee 

wi 
m 

In 

Ai 
th 
in 

CO 

th 
fit 

tic 
foi 
br 
tic 
rei 
we 
in 
th 

th 
he 
of 
so 
In 
sh 
wl 
Tl 
m: 
So 
sh 


fiS. 

caravels  as  free 
d. 

frankness,  and 
►le.  Indeed,  he 
IS  magnanimity 
ugh  the  caravel. 
It  might  gratify 
)eculiar  delicacy 
Presenting  him 
cloth,"  he  sent 
lis  dignity   and 

onie  distance  in 
;  own  crown  of 
ronets  of  gold 
>  Did  they  gild 
le  mint?  How 
iseums ! 

he  Spaniards  in 
;  continued,  the 
ibles,  but  always 
assured  of  their 
re  very  commu- 
le  eastward,  and 
d  on  them  to  go 
dent  with  place, 
Dws."     It  is  now 

people  ?  They 
St  of  the  inhabi- 
j'ans,  mountain- 
is  impossible  for  them 
t  of  the  language,  and 
single  thing." 


STRAIGHT  FOR  SPAIN. 


147 


eers,  and  their  chieftain  was  Mayonabex,  who  after- 
ward distinguished  himself  in  respect  to  some  of  the 
most  noble  traits  of  character. 

When  they  got  out  to  sea,  on  the  i6th,  the  young 
Indians  did  not  seem  to  be  so  certain  as  to  the  island  of 
Amazons  or  that  of  the  Caribs.  First  they  pointed  to 
the  northeast,  then  to  the  southeast,  Columbus  steering 
in  one  direction  and  then  in  the  other.  In  the  latter 
course  he  would  have  found  Porto  Rico,  which,  indeed, 
the  natives  called  Carih ;  and  here  he  was  told  he  would 
find  lumps  of  gold  as  big  as  beans. 

How  suggestive  is  a  fresh  breeze  in  the  right  direc- 
tion at  sea!  The  wind  began  to  blow  just  right 
for  a  straight  course  to  Spain.  Columbus  saw  the 
brows  of  his  men  lower  whenever  he  took  any  indirec- 
tion. He  therefore  pointed  directly  for  home.  This 
resolution  did  not  come  any  too  soon.  The  caravels 
were  old  and  leaky,  Pinzon  was  alienated  and  might 
influence  his  brother  and  many  others,  especially  since 
the  men  were  all  homesick. 

The  vessels  were  still  facing  the  trade-winds,  and 
therefore  made  slow  progress.  Fortunately  these 
head-winds  were  light  all  through  the  remaining  half 
of  January.  The  sea  was  smooth,  and  the  crews  had 
some  very  amusing  diversions.  The  four  young 
Indians  would  jump  overboard  and  swim  around  the 
ships  almost  as  adroitly  as  the  numerous  tunny  fishes 
which  played  about  the  sea  in  various  directions. 
These  were  probably  the  bonita,  a  sprightly  fish  of  the 
mackerel  family,  growing  to  several  feet  in  length. 
Some  of  these  were  captured  for  food,  and  also  a  large 
shark.     These  aflforded    an  agreeable  supplement  to 


■it 


148 


77//-:  PILOTS  TAKE  RECKONING. 


their  spare  diet  of  bread  and  wine  and  West  India 
peppers.  Whether  they  j^raccd  their  tables  with  the 
pelicans  which  they  every  now  and  then  got  sight  of 
does  not  appear. 

Colnnibns  noticed  that  he  now  sailed  through  sea- 
weeds very  similar  to  those  he  had  encountered  on  his 
way  out  from  the  Canaries,  and  therefore  conjectured 
that  these  West  India  islands  extended  eastward,  well 
towards  those  islands  on  the  west  coast  of  Africa.  It 
is  worthy  of  notice  that  maps  were  made  according  to 
this  idea  for  more  than  a  century  afterwards. 

Bearing  somewhat  north  of  east,  they  had  passed 
out  of  the  belt  of  the  trade-winds,  and  were  now  wafted 
on  direct  for  Spain.  The  foremast  of  the  Pinia  had 
become  seriously  weakened,  and  the  Nina  was  obliged, 
not  infrequently,  to  slacken  sail  in  order  to  keep  her 
company. 

On  the  loth  of  February  they  took  reckoning.  But 
the  coterie  of  captains  and  pilots,  poring  over  their 
chart  and  tables,  could  not  agree,  and  they  differed 
more  widely  with  Columbus  than  with  each  other. 
He  believed  they  were  in  the  latitude  of  Flores,  the 
westernmost  island  of  the  Azores,  while  the  rest 
thought  they  were  in  line  with  Madeira  and  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  leagues  nearer  Spain  than  his  reckoning 
showed.  As  was  generally  the  case  in  differences  of 
the  kind,  Columbus  was  right. 

On  the  1 2th  the  wind  rose  and  the  sea  ran  high. 
During  the  next  day  the  gale  still  increased,  and  the 
crazy,  creaking  vessels  labored  hard.  As  the  gloom 
of  night  settled  down  on  the  heaving  billows,  sharp 
flashes  of   lightning  in  the  inky  sky  to  the  north- 


's 


}N/A'G. 


THE  lUJXn/NG  sro/x'.u. 


149 


nd  West  India 

tables  with  the 

leii  ji^ot  sight  of 

ed  through  sea- 
ountered  on  his 
fore  conjectured 
1  eastward,  well 
t  of  Africa.  It 
ide  according  to 
wards. 

liey  had  passed 
kvere  now  wafted 
f  the  Pi'n/a  had 
ifia  was  obliged, 
rder  to  keep  her 

reckoning.  But 
(ring  over  their 
id  they  differed 
nth.  each  other. 
le  of  Flores,  the 
while  the  rest 
ra  and  one  hun- 
in  his  reckoning 
n  differences  of 

le  sea  ran  high, 
creased,  and  the 
As  the  gloom 
g  billows,  sharp 
:y  to  the  north- 


northeast  signalled  the  coining  tempest,  which  soon 
burst  upon  them.  Iniagiuo  these  small  sc;i-worn 
vessels  without  decks,  in  the  inid-,\llaiitic,  while  the 
utmost  violence  of  wind  and  waves  rocks  the  elements 
alxmt  them.  All  night  long  the  sails  are  furled,  and 
the  frail  barks  scud  before  the  wind.  For  three  days 
they  bear  up  against  the  raging  storm,  barely  carrying 
sail  enough  to  keep  them  from  going  down  in  the 
violent  cross-waves.  Then  the  sails  are  taken  in 
again  at  night.  Faiht  and  yet  fainter  gleam  the 
lights  of  the  JVft/<i  through  the  blinding  mists  till  she 
is  blown  so  far  to  the  north  with  her  weak  mast  that 
they  disappear  entirely.  F*rightful,  indeed,  was  the 
outlook  on  the  following  morning.  Far  as  the  eye 
could  reach,  the  clouds  were  driven  like  immeasurable 
angry  forces,  and  the  sea  was  lashed  into  fury ;  and 
the  sailors  on  the  Nwa  looked  out  in  vain  into  the 
tempest  to  catch  a  glimpse  of  the  Pinta.  All  feared 
that  she  had  gone  down  during  the  night. 

As  the  gale  continued  in  all  its  violence,  the  crews 
resorted  to  vows.  Using  beans  for  casting  lots — a  bean 
for  each  man — the  Admiral,  putting  his  hand  into  the 
cap  first,  drew  the  bean  marked  with  a  cross,  and  so 
was  designated  to  make  a  pilgrimage  to  the  shrine  of 
St.  Mary  of  Guadalupe,  carrying  *'  a  wax  taper  of  five 
pounds  weight."  The  next  lot  was  for  a  pilgrimage 
to  St.  Mary  of  Loretto,  "  in  the  piarc  of  Ancona,  terri- 
tory of  the  Pope,"  This  fell  to  one  of  the  sailors,  but 
Columbus  volunteered  to  bear  the  expense.  The  next 
lot,  to  watch  all  night  at  St.  Clara  de  Mogues,  fell  to 
the  Admiral.  To  make  the  matter  complete,  they  all 
vowed  to  go  in  their  shirts  to  the  nearest  church  of 


I50 


THE  DISTRESS  OF  THE  ADMIRAL. 


i 


"  Our  Lady,"  and  there  humble  themselves,  if  ever 
they  should  reach  land.  Other  vows  were  also  made 
simply  as  private  oflFerings  of  individuals. 

By  this  time  the  ship's  store  of  provisions  and  water 
had  been  so  lightened  as  to  affect  seriously  the  sailing 
for  want  of  ballast.  The  remedy,  supposed  to  have 
been  original  with  Columbus,  but  since  become  com- 
mon amon^.'  sailors,  was  to  fill  the  empty  casks  with 
sea-water. 

Columbus  and  the  crew  on  the  Nina  were  wei  ■  con- 
vinced that  the  Pinta  was  lost.    The  whole  result  of  this 
momentous  enterprise  depended,  therefore,  on  the  safe 
return  of  the  former  vessel.     But  for  this,  with  the  frail 
and  sea-worn  condition  of  the  Nina  and  the  unremit- 
ting violence  of  the  tempest,  there  was  scarcely  the 
shadow  of  a  hope.     The  distress  of  the  Admiral  at  this 
hour  is  best  mirrored    in  his  own  words  to  the  sov- 
ereigns :    "  I  could  have  supported  this  evil   fortune 
with  less  grief,"  said  he,  "  had  my  person  alone  been 
in   jeopardy,  since  I   am   debtor  for   my  life   to  the 
supreme  Creator,  and  have  at  other  times  been  within 
a  step  of  death.     But  it  was  a  cause  of  infinite  sorrow 
and  trouble  to  think  that,  after  having  been  illumi- 
nated from  on  high  with  faith  and  certainty  to  under- 
take this  enterprise,  after  having  victoriously  achieved 
it,  and  when  on  the  point  of  convincing  my  opponents 
and  securing  to  your  highnesses  great  glory  and  vast 
increase   of  dominions,   it   should  please   the  divine 
Majesty  to  defeat  all  by  my  death.     It  would  have 
been  more  supportable,  also,  had  I  not  been  accom- 
panied by  others  who  had  been  drawn  on^by  my  per- 
suasions, and  who,  in  their  distress,  cursed  not  only 


-.ssfcssiasaiSi44iisi;-j's*ti>iii:. 


OMIRAL. 

mselves,  if  ever 
3  were  also  made 
als. 

nsions  and  water 
Dusly  the  sailing 
apposed  to  have 
ice  become  com- 
:mpty  casks  with 

a  were  wei^  con- 
tiole  result  of  this 
efore,  on  the  safe 
his,  with  the  frail 
md  the  unremit- 
was  scarcely  the 
e  Admiral  at  this 
rords  to  the  sov- 
:his  evil   fortune 
erson  alone  been 
-   my  life   to  the 
imes  been  within 
of  infinite  sorrow 
ing  been  illumi- 
;rtainty  to  under- 
oriously  achieved 
ng  my  opponents 
at  glory  and  vast 
►lease   the  divine 
It  would  have 
not  been  accom- 
wn  on^by  my  per- 
,  cursed  not  only 


BETWEEN  FEAR  AND  FAITH. 


151 


the  hour  of  their  coming,  but  the  fear  inspired  by  my 
words,  which  prevented  their  turning  back,  as  they  had 
at  various  times  determined.  Above  all,  my  grief  was 
doubled  when  I  thought  of  my  two  sons,  whom  I  had 
left  in  school  at  Cordova,  destitute,  in  a  strange  land, 
without  any  testimony  of  the  services  rendered  by 
their  father,  which,  if  known,  might  have  inclined 
your  highnesses  to  befriend  them.  And  although,  on 
the  one  hand,  I  was  comforted  by  faith  that  the  Deity 
would  not  permit  a  work  of  such  great  exaltation  to 
his  church,  wrought  through  so  many  troubles  and  con- 
tradictions, to  remain  imperfect,  yet,  on  the  other 
hand,  I  reflected  on  my  sins,  as  a  punishment  for 
which  he  might  intend  that  I  should  be  deprived  of 
the  glory  which  might  redound  to  me  in  this  world." 
In  the  abstract  of  Columbus's  journal  given  by  Las 
Casas  we  have  a  still  closer  insight  into  the  reflections 
of  a  great  and  devout  mind  in  the  midst  of  this  inde- 
scribable scene  of  danger.  That  the  world  might 
know  that  he  had  accomplished  his  purpose  was  the 
grand  point  of  anxiety  for  which  he  strove  and  for 
which  he  prayed.  But  his  mind  trembled  in  the 
balance  between  hope  and  fear.  When  he  contem- 
plated his  frail  bark  in  such  a  tempest,  it  seemed  as  if 
the  most  trifling  casualty,  "even  the  weight  of  a 
mosquito,"  might  send  him  and  his  intelligence  of  a 
new  world  to  the  bottom  of  mid-ocean.  But  had  not 
the  infinite  Father  enabled  him  to  overcome  all  the 
difficulties  of  his  overtures  in  Spain,  and  to  make  his 
discovery  ?  Had  not  the  service  of  God  been  the  aim 
and  business  of  his  undertaking  ?  And,  more  especially, 
had  not  God  "  delivered  him  when  he  had  much  greater 


152 


AN  INGENIOUS  CONTRIVANCE. 


reason  for  fear,  upon  the  outward  voyage,  at  which 
time  the  crew  rose  up  against  him  and,  with  a  unani- 
mous and  threatening  voice,  resolved  to  turn  back,  but 
the  eternal  God  gave  him  spirit  and  valor  against  them 
all  ?  Would  not  divine  providence  carry  to  completion 
a  vast  work  so  notably  sustained  thus  far  ? 

Here  is  an  intelligence  which,  with  a  truly  just  and 

benevolent  feeling,  comprehends  the  fearful  situation, 

and  3^et  hopes  for  the  grandest  possibility  beyond.    The 

.  words  are  more  than  eloquent — they  breathe  a  genuine 

simplicity,  a  true  humility,  a  sublime  faith. 

Out  of  his  wonted  resource  of  contrivance  Colum- 
bus drew  a  possible  chance  of  preserving  an  account 
of  the  discovery.  Writing  on  parchment  a  brief 
statement  of  the  whole  enterprise  since  putting  to  sea 
— no  doubt  one  of  his  best  samples  of  miniature 
chirography — he  enclosed  the  same  in  a  waxed  cloth, 
and,  putting  it  securely  in  a  cask,  committed  it  to  the 
chances  of  the  sea.  Some  one  might  take  it  up,  and, 
finding  the  sealed  letter  to  the  sovereigns,  covet  the 
reward  of  a  thousand  ducats  promised,  at  a  venture, 
to  him  who  should  become  courier  to  the  King  and 
Queen.  In  order  that  this  chance  might  be  doubled, 
another  cask,  similarly  prepared,  was  placed  on  the 
poop  of  his  vessel,  to  float  away  if  he  and  his  crew  were 
lost. 

No  doubt  his  men  looked  on  this  strange  performance 
with  curious  eyes,  but  they  were  not  let  into  the  secret 
lest  they  should  take  alarm  at  the  Admiral's  sense  of 
danger. 

With  what  joy  must  the  tempest-tossed  crew  have 
beheld  the  streak  of  clear  sky  in  the  west  at  sunset  on 


NCE. 


age, 


at  which 
,  with  a  unani- 
tiirn  back,  but 
ir  against  them 
r  to  completion 
ir? 

truly  just  and 
rful  situation, 
T  beyond.  The 
athe  a  genuine 
Lth. 

ivance  Coluni- 

ing  an  account 

iment    a   brief 

putting  to  sea 

of  tnitiiature 
a  waxed  cloth, 
litted  it  to  the 
ake  it  up,  and, 
igns,  covet  the 

at  a  venture, 
the  King  and 
ht  be  doubled, 

placed  on  the 
.  his  crew  were 

a^e  performance 

into  the  secret 

niral's  sense  of 

sed  crew  have 
St  at  sunset  on 


LAND!  LAND! 


153 


the  15th  !  And,  though  the  sea  ran  high  all  night,  the 
wind  was  favorable,  and  "the  bonnet  was  set  upon  the 
mainsail." 

"  Land !  land ! "  was  the  cry  of  the  sailor  at  the 
mast-head  at  break  of  day  the  next  morning.  Tinagine 
the  transports  of  delight  in  the  crew  at  the  sight  of 
land  once  more,  and  that,  too,  near  home !  But  what 
land  is  this  to  the  north-northeast,  just  over  the  prow 
of  the  caravel  ?  To  your  charts,  ye  pilots  !  "  The 
island  of  Madeira,"  cries  one.  "  The  rock  Cintra,  near 
Lisbon,"  cries  another.  "  Some  point  of  Spain,"  argue 
a  number.  Meanwhile  all  wait  for  the  decision  of  the 
Admiral,  who  pronounces  the  land,  now  rounded  out 
into  an  island,  "One  of  the  Azores." 

But  while  all  hearts  are  beating  with  joy  at  the 
thought  of  landing,  the  wind  changes,  the  sea  rolls 
against  them,  and  they  cannot  reach  their  goal.  After 
two  days  of  most  tantalising  wind  and  waves,  they 
come  near  enough  to  land  to  cast  anchor,  when  lo !  the 
cable  parts  and  they  must  put  to  sea  again,  where  they 
beat  about  until  morning.  At  last  they  effect  a  land- 
ing. They  have  reached  St.  Mary's,  of  the  Azores. 
This  is  a  triumph  for  the  Admiral  in  navigation  ! 

Columbus  was  shy  of  the  Portuguese,  and,  as  the 
three  men  he  had  sent  on  shore  in  the  morning  did 
not  return,  he  feared  he  might  be  the  victim  of  some 
jealous  stratagem.  After  sunse.t,  three  men  on  the 
shore  hailed  the  caravel.  A  boat  was  sent  for  them, 
and  they  proved  to  be  messengers  from  Castafieda, 
the  governor  of  the  island,  bringing  refreshments  and 
the  most  cordial  felicitations.  The  three  missing  men 
he  was  detaining  to  gratify  his  curiosity  by  a  full  in- 


jr.  THE  PENITENTIAL  PROCESSION. 

terview  in  respect  to  the  wondrous  tales  they  could  tell 
of  their  perilous  voyage  and  the  new  world.  But  noth- 
ing surprised  him  and  the  islanders  more  than  that 
the  frail  caravel  should  have  outrid  the  unparalleled 
tempest  which  had  raged  for  so  many  days. 

The  next  morning  Columbus  reminded  his  men  of 
their  vow  to  '*  Our  Lady."     Learning  that  there  was  a 
chapel  dedicated  to  St.  Mary  in  the  neighborhood,  he 
engaged   the   three   men   from   the   shore,   who  had 
remained  on  shipboard  over  night,  to  secure  a  priest 
to   perform   mass,  and   dividing  the  crew  equally  he 
sent   one-half  to  redeem  their  vow  first,  he  and  the 
remaining  half  intending  to  go  when  these  returned. 
It  must  have  been  a  novel  scene  even  in  those  days, 
this  half-naked  procession  on  their  way  to  the  church! 
But  why  did  they  not  return  ?     Columbus  waited  until 
near  midday  in  suspense.      As  he  could  not  see  the 
ch^-pel  from  his  position,  he  weighed  anchor  and  stood 
out  till  he  could  command  a  view,  when  lo !  there  was 
descried  a  crowd  of  horse  and  foot  around  the  little 
hermitage.     Presently  some   of  them,  being   armed, 
entered  a  boat  and  came  towards  him.     He  ordered 
his  men  to  be  ready  for  either  defence  or  attack,  but  to 
keep  out  of  sight.     Those  in  the  boat  came  peaceably, 
however,  but  they  did  not  seem  to  tjiink  it  safe  to  come 
too  near.     The  governor,  being  in  the  boat,  stood  up 
and  asked  for  a  guarantee  of  personal  safety  if  he 
came  on  board  the  caravel.     This  the  Admiral  granted, 
but  wished  to  know  why  none  of  the  Spaniards  were 
in  the  boat.     Still  his  honor  did  not  venture  to  come 
very  near.     The  Admiral  now  urged  the  Portuguese 
governor  to  come  on  board,  intending  to  make  him  a 


^«t 


SS/ON. 


THE  ADMIRAL  INDIGNANT. 


155 


>  they  could  tell 
»rld.  But  noth- 
nore  thau  that 
le  unparalleled 
lays. 

ded  his  men  of 
hat  there  was  a 
eighborhood,  he 
hore,   who  had 

secure  a  priest 
rew  equally  he 
rst,  he  and  the 

these  returned, 
n  in  those  days, 
y  to  the  church ! 
bus  waited  until 
uld  not  see  the 
mchor  and  stood 
;n  lo !  there  was 
round  the  little 
1,  being  armed, 
m.     He  ordered 

or  attack,  but  to 

came  peaceably, 
k  it  safe  to  come 
le  boat,  stood  up 
mal  safety  if  he 
A-dmiral  granted, 
;  Spaniards  were 

venture  to  come 
[  the  Portuguese 
g;  to  make  him  a 


prisoner  and  so  recover  his  crew.  The  governor  was 
too  wary  to  come  into  the  trap.  Why  were  his  men 
detained?  demanded  the  Admiral.  In  what  respect 
had  he  offended  the  King  of  Portugal  ?  Were  not  the 
Portuguese  as  free  and  safe  in  Castile  as  in  Lisbon  ? 
The  Admiral  held  up  his  commission  with  the  insignia 
of  the  sovereigns  of  Spain,  his  whole  manner 
waxing  decidedly  indignant.  "  The  King  and 
Queen  had  instructed  him  to  treat  all  subjects 
of  Portugal  with  respect,"  he  said,  "  for  the  two 
nations  were  at  peace.  The  Portuguese  should  beware 
how  they  transgressed  the  proprieties  of  peace,  lest 
they  incur  the  royal  displeasure."  If  his  men  were 
detained  on  the  island,  he  still  had  sailors  enough  left 
to  take  his  caravel  to  Seville,  where  he  would  report 
this  outrage  against  the  kingdom  of  Castile.  The 
grvernor  then  ordered  the  Admiral  to  proceed  to  the 
harbor  with  his  caravel,  saying  he  had  done  all  "  by  the 
order  of  the  King,  his  master."  "  The  Admiral  ordered 
all  on  board  his  vessel  to  bear  witness  to  these  trans- 
actions, and  called  out  to  the  governor  and  those  with 
him,  vowing  that  he  would  not  leave  the  caravel  till  he 
had  carried  a  hundred  of  the  Portuguese  to  Castile 
and  depopulated  the  island.  He  then  returned  to  his 
anchorage  in  the  harbor,  as  the  wind  and  weather  did 
not  admit  of  taking  any  other  course." 

What  could  be  the  meaning  of  these  strange  move- 
ments ?  Had  war  arisen  between  the  two  nations  dur- 
ing his  absence  ? 

The  next  day  brought  another  tempest,  and,  as  the 
caravel  was  in  danger  of  being  driven  onto  a  lee  shore, 
the  Admiral  put  to  sea  for  the  island  St.  Michael's, 


-■^93^Sae«*S«!farili»4ij«'««Si««^*w**^^ 


156 


THE  PRISONERS  LIBERATED. 


but  he  now  discovered  that  the  half  of  his  crew 
remaining  to  him  contained  only  three  experienced 
seamen.  For  some  two  days  the  bark,  thus  helplessly 
manned,  drifted  about  in  the  utmost  peril.  The 
weather  then  moderating,  they  returned  to  St.  Mary's. 

Now  there  came  from  the  shore  two  priests  and  a 
notary.  They  were  very  patronizing.  The  governor 
was  ready  to  do  the  Admiral  any  service,  they  said,  if 
he  could  but  be  assured  that  he  was  under  the  patron- 
age of  Spain.  Would  he  not  be  so  kind  as  to  show 
his  commission  ?  This  being  done  to  their  satisfaction, 
they  returned  to  the  shore,  and  the  next  day  the  pris- 
oners were  liberated.  This  last  move  of  the  governor 
was,  no  doubt,  a  studied  way  of  getting  out  of  a  close 
place. 

When  the  prisoners  returned,  the  mystery  was  solved. 
They  had  ascertained  that  the  King  of  Portugal  had 
instructed  Castanedo,  as  well  as  others  in  like  author- 
ity, to  detain  Columbus  whenever  he  might  appear, 
fearing  lest  his  enterprise  might  in  some  way  infringe 
on  the  rights  of  Portugal.  The  governor,  failing  to 
surprise  him  in  the  chapel,  had  resorted  to  stratagem, 
but  he  had  failed  alike  in  both.  Now  it  behooved  him 
to  let  himself  down  as  easily  as  possible. 

Columbus,  having  had  enough  gf  St.  Mary's  and 
the  Portuguese  governor,  sailed  away  on  Sunday,  the 
24th.  For  several  days  the  weather  was  pleasant,  but 
on  Wednesday,  the  27th,  another  contrary  gale  arose 
and  a  tempestuous  sea.  Having  had  no  opportunity 
to  recover  from  the  exhaustive  efforts  necessary  to  him 
during  the  previous  storm,  so  continuous  and  so  severe, 
what  wonder  that  he  now  became  impatient  at  being 


t] 
h 
h 

il 
s 
a 
h 


TED. 

f  of  his  crew 
ee  experienced 
thus  helplessly 
St  peril.  The 
1  to  St.  Mary's, 
o  priests  and  a 
The  governor 
ce,  they  said,  if 
der  the  patron- 
ind  as  to  show 
leir  satisfaction, 
(ct  day  the  pris- 
>f  the  governor 
J  out  of  a  close 

tery  was  solved. 
3f  Portugal  had 
i  in  like  author- 
might  appear, 
ne  way  infringe 
;rnor,  failing  to 
;d  to  stratagem, 
t  behooved  him 
le. 

St.  Mary's  and 
on  Sunday,  the 
as  pleasant,  but 
trary  gale  arose 
no  opportunity 
lecessary  to  him 
IS  and  so  severe, 
)atient  at  being 


THE  SAILS  ARE  RENT. 


157 


thus  driven  back  from  the  very  door  of  home  ?  And 
how  natural  that  he  should  contrast  the  balmy  days 
he  had  just  spent  in  the  land  of  perpetual  summer 
with  these  terrific  gales  and  threatening  seas  !  "  Must 
it  not  be,"  he  thought,  that  the  earthly  paradise 
spoken  of  in  Genesis  is  somewhere  in  the  remote  east, 
as  theologians  have  said  ?  It  almost  seemed  as  if  he 
had  been  near  its  borderland. 

The  storm  continued  to  rage,  and  at  midnight  on 
Sunday,  ^larch  3d,  a  squall  so  terrific  struck  the  cara- 
vel that  all  her  sails  were  "  split "  and  she  was 
obliged  to  scud  under  bare  poles.  They  passed  the 
next  day  in  the  tempest,  and  the  following  night  was 
even  more  fearful  than  the  former.  The  waves  ran 
mountain  high,  the  rain  seemed  to  literally  pour  out 
of  the  heavens,  while  the  lightning's  glare  and  the  loud 
peals  of  thunder  in  various  parts  of  the  firmament 
were  enough  to  remind  them  of  the  final  day  of  doom. 
Lots  were  again  cast,  and  there  were  pledges  of  solemn 
fasting. 

In  the  night,  while  they  labored  with  a  terrible 
storm  and  were  near  meeting  with  destruction  from  • 
the  cross-sea,  the  fury  of  the  wind,  which  seemed  to 
carry  them  up  to  the  skies,  and  the  violent  showers  and 
lightning  from,  many  parts,  there  was  the  cry  of 
*'  land !"  but  only  to  exchange  one  terror  for  another ;  for, 
not  knowing  precisely  where  tjiey  were,  there  was  the 
most  imminent  danger  of  being  dashed  in  pieces  on 
rocks  and  shoals.  The  ragged  sails  were  taken  in, 
and  they  kept  aloof  from  shore  till  morning.  The 
dawn  revealed  the  well-known  rock  of  Cintra,  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Tagus. 


158 


THE  NINA  ENTERS  THE  TAG  US, 


Should  he  again  put  himself  into  the  hands  of  the 
Portuguese  ?  Notwithstanding  his  distrust  of  this 
nation  and  their  king,  the  violence  of  the  storm  left 
him  no  choice.  In  a  letter  written  years  afterwards  to 
Dofia  Juana  de  la  Torres  he  says :  *'  I  was  driven  by  a 
tempest  into  the  port  of  Lisbon,  having  lost  my  sails." 
Sailing  up  the  mouth  of  the  river  the  4th  of  March, 
he  cast  anchor  in  front  of  Rastelo,  about  three  o'clock 
in  the  afternoon.  Can  we  imagine  the  sense  of  relief 
which  came  to  these  tempest-tossed  mariners  as  they 
furled  their  sails  in  the  calm  and  dropped  anchor  in 
the  quiet  river! 

All  along  the  shore  the  inhabitants  had  been  watch- 
ing with  prayerful  anxiety  as  the  caravel  made  way 
against  the  storm.  Gray-haired  mariners  had  never 
seen  such  a  tempestuous  winter.  Many  ships  were 
lying  in  the  harbors  weather-bound,  and  many  had 
been  wrecked  along  the  coast. 

One  may  imagine  that  the  hand  of  the  Admiral  could 
scarcely  have  been  steady  as  he  penned  the  tidings  of 
his  return,  to  be  borne  by  the  swiftest  messenger 
to  the  sovereigns  of  Spain,  and  he  would  have  been 
more  than  human  if  he  had  not  felt  a  little  self-com- 
placent as  he  delivered  for  the  King  of  Portugal  his 
dispatch  of  a  new  world  found  in  the  west.  Surely  he 
might  take  the  liberty  of  saying  to  him  that  in  a  case 
of  necessity  he  had  sought  a  Portuguese  port,  and  that 
in  order  to  be  more  sa.  e  than  he  might  be  at  Rostelo 
he  would  like  to  be  permitted  to  anchor  at  Lisbon. 

His  misgiving  was  not  altogether  unwarranted,  for, 
while  the  courier  to  the  King  was  making  his  nine 
leagfues  to  Valparaiso  and  back,  a  certain  oflScer  of  the 


''AG  us. 


LISBON  IS  MOVED. 


159 


e  hands  of  the 
distrust  of  this 

the  storm  left 
rs  afterwards  to 
was  driven  by  a 
;  lost  my  sails." 

4th  of  March, 
lit  three  o'clock 
e  sense  of  relief 
lariners  as  they 
pped  anchor  in 

tiad  been  watch- 
ravel  made  way 
ners  had  never 
any  ships  were 
and  many  had 

e  Admiral  could 
d  the  tidings  of 
ftest  messenger 
ould  have  been 
a  little  self-com- 
of  Portugal  his 
i^est.  Surely  he 
m  that  in  a  case 
se  port,  and  that 
t  be  at  Rostelo 
r  at  Lisbon, 
nwarranted,  for, 
aaking  his  nine 
lin  oflScer  of  the 


Portuguese  navy,  lying  at  Rastelo,  demanded  him  to 
give  an  account  of  himself  and  his  vessel.  Columbus 
"  stood  on  his  dignity,"  affirming  his  claim  to  respect 
as  an  admiral  of  Spain,  and  so  refused  to  grant  the 
request.  This,  after  due  explanation,  was  satisfactory, 
and  now  that  the  naval  officer  had  learned  the  nature 
of  the  voyage  just  made  by  this  little  caravel,  he  was 
ready  to  "  lionize "  her.  Approaching  with  fifes, 
drums,  and  trumpets,  he  showed  every  possible  defer- 
ence, and  ofifered  his  services  to  the  fullest  extent. 

Lisbon  was  the  one  place  in  all  the  world  to  be  most 
deeply  moved  by  this  wonderful  discovery.  Had  not 
Portugal  led  the  world  for  many  decades  in  navigation, 
at  once  the  most  perilous  and  the  most  successful  in 
opening  up  unknown  parts  ?  But  here  was  an  achieve- 
ment, by  one  little  boat,  which  quite  eclipsed  anything 
they  could  boast.  For  two  days  the  Tagus  teemed  with 
crafts  of  every  kind,  from  the  stately  barge  to  the  small 
boat,  bearing  all  classes  of  the  curious  and  the  inquir- 
ing, who  gazed  with  increasing  wonder  on  the  plants, 
the  birds,  the  animals,  and,  above  all,  the  people,  so 
unlike  any  other  they  had  ever  seen.  Surely  God  had 
bestowed  the  favor  of  this  great  discovery  on  the  King 
and  Queen  of  Spain,  they  said,  on  account  of  their 
devotion  to  the  Christian  faith. 

On  Friday,  the  8th  of  March,  a  cavalier  from  King 
John  II.  arrived,  inviting  the  Admiral  to  court,  and 
not  only  were  his  personal  accommodations  on  the  way 
to  be  free,  but  the  King  had  ordered  that  anything 
required  for  his  vessel  or  his  crews  should  be  furnished 
in  like  manner. 

On  that  same  evening  of  the  arrival  of  the  invitation 


/ 


/ 


i6o 


COLUMPVS  Bn FORE  JOHN  II. 


Coluinbus  set  out,  and  on  the  followin^^  evening 
reached  the  court.  He  was  accompanied  by  the  King's 
steward,  and  as  he  approaclied  Valparaiso  a  company 
of  cavaliers  came  out  to  escort  him  into  the  royal 
presence. 

Here  he  is  ordered  to  be  seated,  after  the  manner  of 
royalty.  The  King  congratulates  him  on  his  great 
achievement,  and  assures  him  that  all  .things  in  his 
kingdom  are  at  the  service  of  him  and  his  sovereigns. 
But  mortification  is  mingled  with  the  keenest  interest 
in  the  Admiral's  account — no  doubt  eloquentlj'  given 
— of  the  eventful  voyage  and  the  wonderful  discoveries. 
Had  all  this  been  stupidly  thrown  away  by  the  king- 
dom of  Portugal  ?  The  wish  being  father  to  the 
thought,  he  suggested  that  these  wonderful  parts  just 
discovered  might,  after  all,  possibly  be  included  in  the 
capitulations  to  himself  by  Spain  in  1479  !  These 
capitulations  Columbus  had  never  seen,  but  he  knew 
well  that  he  had  sailed  far  enough  from  the  coast  of 
Africa.  Be  that  as  it  might,  said  the  King,  he  and 
the  sovereigns  of  Spain  could  easily  adjust  the  matter. 
How  little  did  these  two  personages  know  what  part 
of  the  world  they  were  talking  about ! 

The  Admiral  was  most  royally  entertained  for  the 
night  by  the  prior  of  Crato,  the  principal  personage  of 
the  place,  and  was  requested  to  meet  the  King  again 
the  next  day  in  order  to  complete  the  charming  inter- 
view. The  latter  asked  all  sorts  of  questions  about 
the  soil  of  this  new  country,  its  productions,  its  people, 
the  route  thence,  etc.,  etc.  All  these  inquiries  Colum- 
bus answered  most  minutely  in  order  to  convince  his 
Royal  Highness  that  he  had  not  been  in  Guinae. 


a] 
g 

P 

d. 

ai 
w 
it 

g' 

it 

tl 

g' 
ni 

ai 
n; 
h 
h( 

SI 

Ic 
w 

tl 
tl 

w 

tl 

01 

e£ 
tc 
01 

cc 


lowiiij;'    evening 

eel  by  the  King's 

raiso  a  company 

into  the  royal 

;r  the  manner  of 
m  on  his  great 
U  .things  in  his 
1  his  sovereigns, 
keenest  interest 
iloqnentl}'  given 
erfnl  discoveries, 
ly  bj'  the  king- 
g  father  to  the 
ierful  parts  jnst 
e  inclnded  in  the 
1  1479 !  These 
:en,  but  he  knew 
from  the  coast  of 
le  King,  he  and 
ijust  the  matter, 
know  what  part 

tertained  for  the 
pal  personage  of 
the  King  again 
charming  inter- 
questions  about 
ctions,  its  people, 
inquiries  Colum- 
r  to  convince  his 
in  Guinae. 


A  JKA LOUS  COUR T. 


161 


Unfriendly  critics  have  found  an  important  point 
against  Columbus  in  the  account  of  this  interview,  as 
given  bj'  certain  Portuguese  historians  and  biogra- 
phers, Barros,  Souza,  and  Vasconcilos,  who  say  that  he 
deported  himself  loftily,  and  spoke  in  a  very  vaunting 
and  provoking  manner  to  the  King,  as  if  to  pique  and 
worry  him  over  his  lost  opportunity — so  much  so  that 
it  is  said  some  of  the  indignant  courtiers  present  sug- 
gested his  assassination.  They  had  seen  the  Indians 
in  Columbus's  ship,  they  said,  and  they  looked  like 
the  people  within  the  route  of  the  discoveries  of  Portu- 
gal. The  most  remote  lands  discovered  by  their  own 
nation  were  very  near  to  those  found  by  Columbus. 
He,  therefore,  had  not  discovered  any  new  country, 
and  deserved  to  die  for  having  tried  to  embroil  the  two 
nations.  They  would  provoke  him,  and,  having  gotten 
him  into  a  quarrel,  slay  him  as  if  by  accident  or  in 
honorable  combat.  But  the  King  was  too  far  above 
such  dastard  plotting  to  accept  the  advice. 

No  doubt  Portugal  was  bitterly  chagrined  at  the 
loss  of  this  magnificent  enterprise.  How  grand  it 
would  have  been  to  have  added  India  in  the  west  of 
the  Atlantic  to  Africa  in  the  east !  How  easily  within 
their  reach  it  had  once  been  !  And  who  could  tell 
what  relation  these  new-found  lands  might  bear  to 
those  they  were  exploring  ?  For,  be  the  world  round 
or  flat,  the  vast  relations  of  sea  and  land,  both  to  the 
east  and  to  the  west,  were  as  yet  a  mystery.  Indeed,  up 
to  this  hour  the  great  ocean  seas  were  but  little  known 
outside  the  Mediterranean. 

In  everj'  word  and  look  of  Columbus  these  jealous 
courtiers  would  see  and  hear  much  more  than  he  meant 


i62       coLr.unfrs /tnpnRR  THE  ^rEEN. 

to  convey.  And  in  view  of  all  the  circumstances  of 
the  case,  if  the  Admiral  felt  just  a  little  self-conscious, 
and  a  sli.s^ht  inward  sense  of  triumph  over  those  who 
had  doubted  him  and  openly  set  him  at  naught,  and 
could  not  altogether  conceal  these  feelings,  what 
wonder  ? — what  blame  ? 

On  Monday,  March  i  ith,  after  dinner,  Columbus 
took  leave  of  the  King,  having  received  every  mark  of 
affection,  and  was  escorted  on  his  way  for  some 
distance  by  all  the  knights  of  the  court.  As  the 
womanly  curiosity  of  the  Queen,  now  at  Villa  Franca, 
had  requested  an  interview  with  the  newly-made  Ad- 
miral bearing  such  remarkable  tidings,  he  stopped 
there  on  the  way,  and  was  received  in  the  most  cordial 
manner  by  her  and  her  ladies  in  attendance.  Again 
the  wonderful  story  was  told  to  a  most  appreciative 
group  of  listeners. 

Columbus  boarded  his  caravel  on  the  13th  of  March, 
and  reached  Palos  at  noon  on  Friday,  the  15th,  after  an 
absence  of  a  little  less  than  seven  months  and  a 
half. 


itlMilnWimwilMli    ir  -i- "--    -f— ^-  '■■ 


^UEEN. 


circumstances  of 
tie  self-conscious, 
h  over  those  who 
I  at  naught,  and 
e    feelings,   what 

[inner,  Columbus 
ed  every  mark  of 
)   way   for    some 

court.  As  the 
J  at  Villa  Franca, 

newly-nuule  Ad- 
ngs,  he  stopped 
I  the  most  cordial 
Lendancc.  Again 
nost  appreciative 

he  13th  of  March, 
the  15th,  after  an 
n   months    and  a 


CHAPTERflX. 

THK   TRIUMPHANT    ARRIVAL. 

OW  the  little  town  of  Palos  was  wild  with  joy 
as  they  beheld  the  familiar  image  of  the 
Nina  floating  inside  the  bar  of  Salt  has 
long  been  known  to  the  world  and  can  easily  be 
imagined.  Here  were  at  least  a  part  of  those  who  had 
long  since  been  given  up  as  lost  in  the  "  Sea  of  Dark- 
ness," and  they  could  tell  something  about  the  missing 
ones.  There  are  faces  wet  with  the  tears  of  delight, 
because  those  most  cherished  in  their  aflfections  are 
returned  to  them — almost  like  those  raised  up  from  the 
dead  !  But  there  are  other  tearful  faces  revealing  a  joy 
far  less  complete,  because  those  whom  they  cherish 
most  are  simply  heard  from  in  the  distance,  and  the 
uneasy  imagination  is  left  to  fill  up  their  more  recent 
fate,  which,  after  all,  may  be  too  sad  to  be  conjectured. 
Yet  joy  everywhere  prevails.  The  crowds  throng  the 
docks ;  and  the  shops  along  the  double  street  which 
monopolizes  the  little  town,  cradled  in  a  depression 
between  high  hills,  are  closed  ;  the  church  bell  rings, 
and  old  and  young  follow  the  Admiral  up  the  hill 
to  St.  George's  church,  just  outside  the  village. 
Here  they  kneel  devoutly,  scarcely  noticing  the  image 
of  St.  George  and  the  dragon  just  over  the  altar,  for 
all  are  returning  thanks  for  the  great  discovery  and 
for  the  safe  return  of  so  many. 
On  this  same  afternoon,  while  the  air  is  yet  vibrating 


164 


THE  PINTA  ARRI^^ES. 


V. 


i 


to  these  shouts  and  peals  of  universal  joy,   yonder 
comes  the  Pinta,  passing  the  bar  of  Salt,  and  standing 
up  the  harbor.     The  storm  having  blown  her  away 
into  the  Bay  of   Biscay,  she   had  made   the   port  of 
Bayonne;    whence  Pinzon,  supposing   Columbus    to 
have  been  lost,  had  written  to  the  Spanish  sovereigns, 
asking   permission  to  report  the  great   discovery  in 
person  at  court.     He  had  expected  to  surprise  Palos  ; 
but,  seeing  how  he  had  been  anticipated  by  the  Ad- 
miral, his  enthusiasm  was  cooled  at  the  recollection  of 
his  desertion  and  at  the  thought  of  what  might  fol- 
low in  consequence.    He  therefore  disembarked  quietly. 
His  health  was  shattered,  his  high  reputation  as  one 
of  the  chief   aids  to  this  great  enterprise  damaged, 
and,  as  he  soon  received  an  admonitory  letter  from  the 
court,  which  gave  him  to  understand  that  his  presence 
there  would  not  be  welcome — at  least  not  without  that 
of  Columbus— he  sank  under  the  weight  of  mortifica- 
tion and  disappointment,  and  died  in  a  very  short  time. 
Poor  Pinzon !     He  had  been  guilty  of  a  serious  mis- 
demeanor, and  sad  was  the  expiation  he  had  to  make, 
but  let  his  incalculable  services  in  revealing  one-half 
the    globe  be   most   gratefully   remembered.      What 
could  Columbus  have  done  without   him?     Engrave 
his  virtues  "  on  the  rock,"  but  write  his  errors  "  in  the 

sand." 

The  sovereigns  were  now  in  Barcelona,  an  important 
seaport  town  in  Catalonia.  Tidings  truly  welcome, 
almost  transporting,  was  this  message  from  the  courier 
as  to  the  New  World !  For  once,  Ferdinand's  cautious 
reserve  must  have  been  shaken,  and  Isabella's  san- 
guine, generous  nature  must  have  been  moved  to  its 


ES. 

ersal  joy,   yonder 
3alt,  and  standing 

blown  Tier  away 
made  the  port  of 
ing  Columbus  to 
panish  sovereigns, 
^reat  discovery  in 
to  surprise  Palos  ; 
ipated  by  the  Ad- 

the  recollection  of 
f  what  might  fol- 
sembarked  quietly, 
reputation  as  one 
iterprise  damaged, 
tory  letter  from  the 
i  that  his  presence 
5t  not  without  that 
/^eight  of  mortifica- 
ti  a  very  short  time. 
y  oi  z.  serious  mis- 
n  he  had  to  make, 

revealing  one-half 
membered.  What 
It  him?  Engrave 
;  his  errors  "  in  the 

ilona,  an  important 
igs  truly  welcome, 
Lge  from  the  courier 
Ferdinand's  cautious 
and  Isabella's  san- 
been  moved  to  its 


,/ 


COLUMBUS  GOES  TO  BARCELONA. 


165 


Utmost  depth.  Let  Mercury,  messenger  of  the  gods, 
with  winged  feet,  fly !  Tell  the  Admiral  to  come  at 
once,  straight  across  the  Idngdom  of  Spain,  and  in  his 
own  moving  words  relate  this  astounding  event  to  the 
King  and  Queen  ! 

Meanwhile,  Columbus  has  gone  to  Seville  to  await 
the  royal  orders.  By  the  30th  of  March  the  anwer  is 
at  hand.  How  shall  he  proceed  to  this  distant  point  ? 
In  his  caravel  along  the  Mediterranean  ?  This  was  his 
first  impulse ;  but  no,  he  has  had  salt  water  enough  for 
awhile.  A  pril  is  about  to  unfold  her  vernal  charms  in 
this  delightful  climate,  so  he  will  go  by  land,  obliquely, 
almost  across  the  kingdom.  But  he  must  first  set  in 
motion  preparations  for  an  immediate  second  voyage. 
So  the  sovereigns  have  requested  in  their  short  but  en- 
thusiastic letter,  just  arrived. 

News  always  had  swift  wings,  even  before  railroads 
and  telegraphs.  Ere  long  all  Spain  was  on  the  move 
to  learn  as  much  as  possible  about  this  new  thing 
under  the  sun,  which  was  to  eclipse  alike  the  Portu- 
guese discoveries  in  Africa  and  the  subjugation  of  the 
Moors  at  home.  By  the  time  Columbus  was  on  the  way 
the  whole  country  was  thronging  him  en  route.  Every 
city  and  town  through  which  he  passed  was  an  ovation. 
The  six  Indians  with  him — one  had  died  on  the  way 
across  the  ocean  and  three  were  sick  at  Palos — took  the 
lead,  so  ornamented  as  to  represent  the  golden  wealth 
of  the  Indies.  Then  followed  the  brilliant  birds; 
brilliant,  indeed,  they  must  have,  been,  especially  the 
forty  parrots  mentioned  as  in  the  procession.  There 
were  the  most  striking  specimens  of  plants  and  fruits, 
wholly  new  to  the  beholders  ;  especially  noticeable  were 


i66 


THE  PEOPLE  THRONG  HIM. 


the  spices  and  the  royal  palms,  which  might  indicate 
the  outskirts  of  India.  Do  not  fail  to  note  the  brightly 
ornamented  belts,  the  figure-heads  or  masks  pieced  out 
and  trimmed  with  gold,  and  the  rudely  fashioned 
coronets  of  the  precious  metal — all  presented  by  the 
chieftains,  and  disclosing  alike  the  wealth  and  the 
novel  style  of  life  in  the  newly-discovered  country. 

But  all  this  merely  prepares  the  eye  to  behold  Co- 
lumbus himself  following  on  horseback  and  sur- 
rounded, ere  he  reached  Barcelona,  with  a  splendid 
cavalcade  of  courtiers  and  hidalgoes  who  had  come,  in 
their  eagerness,  to  escort  him  into  the  city.  It  is  but 
rational,  and  requires  no  stretch  of  the  imagination,  to 
accept  the  account  of  the  people  thronging  and  crowd- 
ing from  every  direction  to  get  a  glimpse  of  this  unpre- 
cedented sight.  The  windows,  the  balconies,  the  sides 
of  the  narrow  streets,  and  even  the  housetops,  would  be 
crowded  with  curious  spectators  of  every  age  and 
character.  Those  bending  under  the  weight  of  years, 
those  in  the  full  strength  of  manhood  and  womanhood, 
the  beauty  and  buoyancy  of  youth,  and  the  innocent, 
gaping  curiosity  of  childhood — all  would  be  there, 
elbowing  their  way  to  the  front.  The  poet  or  the  artist 
who  should  depict  the  scene  otherwise  would  surely  be 
delinquent  to  human  nature.  The  bruit  of  the  dis- 
covery had  caused  a  great  sensation  in  the  court  and 
among  the  people  ;  and,  great  and  momentous  as  it  was 
in  itself,  it  was  supposed  to  be  even  more  wonderful  in 
some  respects  than  it  really  was.  Nothing,  in  those 
days  at  least ,  could  turn  people's  heads  and  set  every- 
body wild  like  the  news  of  boundless  wealth  ready  to 
hand — gold!  pearls!  precious  jewels !     Was  not  such 


HIM. 


COLUMBUS  BEFORE  THE  MONARCHS. 


167 


I  might  indicate 
lote  the  brightly 
nasks  pieced  out 
udely  fashioned 
resented  by  the 
wealth  and  the 
red  country, 
e  to  behold  Co- 
sback  and  sur- 
ivith  a  splendid 
^ho  had  come,  in 
!  city.  It  is  but 
t  imagination,  to 
iging  and  crowd- 
ise  of  this  unpre- 
Iconies,  the  sides 
setops,  would  be 
every  age  and 
weight  of  years, 
and  womanhood, 
id  the  innocent, 
ATould  be  there, 
poet  or  the  artist 
would  surely  be 
jruit  of  the  dis- 
in  the  court  and 
lentous  as  it  was 
ore  wonderful  in 
[othing,  in  those 
s  and  set  every- 
!  wealth  ready  to 
Was  not  such 


the  wealth  of  farthest  India,  of  which  they  now 
beheld  the  trophies?  What  would  have  been  their 
feelings  had  they  known  that  they  were  01  ly  beholding 
the  symbols  of  the  great  American  wilderness,  swarm- 
ing with  savages  ? 

But  the  King  and  Queen  ?  Behold  them,  in  the  most 
regal  state  of  expectancy,  seated  on  a  dais  under  a 
canopy  of  brocade  of  gold,  in  the  Alcazar  or  Arabian 
castle,  once  the  seat  of  the  Moorish  kings,  now  occupied 
by  the  bishop  of  Urgil.  On  their  right  is  Prince  Juan, 
the  heir-apparent.  The  tall  and  stately  figure  of  the 
Admiral  enters,  white-haired  and  venerable  as  a  Roman 
senator,  and  surrounded  by  a  crowd  of  gay  cavaliers. 
As  he  approaches,  the  monarchs  rise.  He  kneels  to 
kiss  their  hands,  which  they  give  with  deferential  hesi- 
tation, and  graciously  lift  him  up  and  signal  him  to  sit 
in  their  presence,  after  the  manner  of  royalty. 

Let  him  now  tell  where  he  has  been  and  what  he  has 
seen,  for  every  ear  is  listening  with  the  utmost  tension 
of  curious  interest.  Speak,  O  Admiral  and  Viceroy  of 
the  Indies,  for  this  is  the  grandest  and  proudest  hour  of 
your  life.  Drain  the  cup  of  joy — it  is  your  supreme 
moment,  and  the  tide  of  your  glory  will  soon  ebb,  never 
to  rise  again  in  your  day.  _ 

Columbus  may  have  discovered  a  foreign  accent,  but 
he  was  without  doubt  an  able  speaker ;  and  here  were 
the  representative  subjects  of  his  discourse,  to  be 
pointed  out  in  passing — here  ivas  such  an  audience  as 
few  men  of  his  rank  ever  addressed.  And  the  story  ! — 
it  was  well  worthy  of  the  audience,  listening  in  almost 
breathless  astonishment.  Truly  this  is  news! — news 
from  the  antipodes,  and  here  are  the  evidences — tangi- 


i68 


A  NEW  BRA. 


I: 


t 


ble — visible  ;  no  old  musty  parchineut  of  Marco  Polo 
or  John  Mandeville,  but  the  direct  living  word  and  liv- 
ing things  from  beyond  the  "  Sea  of  Darkness  "  \ 

It  is  an  hour  of  intense  feeling;   but  the  thought 
does  not  seem  to  be  of  wealth  or  dominion — a  tide  of 
religious  emotion  carries  everything  before  it.      Mines 
of  gold  and  seas  of  pearl  there  may  be,  but  here  is  a 
pagan  world,  naked  and  destitute,  given  to  the  care  and 
tutelage  of  the  church,  which  has  just  conquered  the 
heathen  within  its  borders.     The  things  contemplated 
are  not  only  mysterious,  but  truly  immense.     They  are 
at  least  conscious,  it  would   seem,  of  the  fact — these 
great  minds — that  an  incalculable  change  is  about  to 
come  to  the  world.     A  new  era  is  dawning.     They  are 
overshadowed  by  the  Infinite.     The  discourse  ended,  the 
sovereigns  are  kneeling  with  clasped  hands  and  tearful 
eyes    lifted    heavenward,   uttering  thanksgiving  and 
praise  to  Almighty  God  for  this  great  and  strange  prov- 
idence.    The  entire  audience  follow  the  example.     No 
shouts  of  joy,  no  loud  acclaim  of  triumph,  but  solemn 
silence,  tearful  devotion,  thought  unutterable !     From 
the  royal  chapel   choir,  accompanied  by  instruments, 
swells  forth  the  inimitable  Te  Deum  Laudamus^  bear- 
ing all  hearts  heavenward,  "  so  that  it  seemed  as  if,  in 
that  hour,  they  communicated  with  celestial  delights," 
says  the  venerable  Las  Casas,  who,'then  some  eighteen 
years  of  age,  was  probably  a  student  at  Salamanca, 
and  who  was  afterwards  intimately  acquainted  with  Co- 
lumbus, as  also  with  others  who  witnessed  the  above. 

What  an  event,  what  an  impression  was  this ! — at 
once  the  grandest  reality  and  the  greatest  delusion; 
the  former  to  be  proven  by  the  nations  in  the  centuries 


aTs***«vs^wwi«**" 


'  —*-"  **rf^Tn?<*^ 


of  Marco  Polo 
g  word  and  liv- 
irkness  "  I 
lut  the  thoaght 
iniow — a  tide  of 
ifore  it.  Mines 
le,  but  here  is  a 
1  to  the  care  and 
t  conquered  the 
fs  contemplated 
mse.     They  are 

the  fact — these 
mge  is  about  to 
ling.  They  are 
:ourse  ended,  the 
luds  and  tearful 
anksgiving  and 
md  strange  prov- 
e  example.  No 
nph,  but  solemn 
tterable !  From 
by  instruments, 
Laudamus,  bear- 
;  seemed  as  if,  in 
lestial  delights," 
;n  some  eighteen 
t  at  Salamanca, 
uainted  with  Co- 
3sed  the  above, 
n  was  this! — at 
reatest  delusion ; 

in  the  centuries 


COLUMBUS  IIV  HONOR.  169 

to  come,  but,  alas !  the  latter  only  to  be  experienced  by 
Columbus.  But  let  us  not  anticipate  the  shadows  and 
the  darkness — they- will  come  soon  enough.  Let  the 
great  discoverer  enjoy  to  the  full  these  days  of  popular 
applause  and  courtly  esteem.  Let  the  dignitaries  of 
church  and  state  crowd  around  him,  and  feel  honored 
by  a  few  words  of  conversation  with  him  about  the 
new  world.  Let  him  appear  amidst  the  crowds,  "  his 
face  wreatl  2d  with  smiles  of  content."  Let  him  ride 
out  on  1/3  horse,  King  Ferdina.od  on  one  side  and 
Prince  Jur.n  on  the  other.  And  is  he  not  entitled  to 
dictate  measures  to  the  sovereigns,  as  to  the  manage- 
ment of  the  great  enterprises  of  the  Indies  ?  The  high 
honors  of  the  hour  have  cost  him  many  anxious,  strug- 
gling years,  and  they  will  be  followed  by  days  dark  and 
tempestuous  enough.  Surely  the  reward  allotted  Co- 
lumbus for  his  stupendous  achievement  was  but  slen- 
der— a  few  years  of  bitter  trial,  disappointment,  and 
suffering  both  of  body  and  of  mind. 

Well,  we  must  not  forget  that  story  about  the  ^gg ! 
Cardinal  Mendoza,  always  friendly  to  Columbus,  even 
in  the  dark  days  of  the  antechamber,  is  said  to  have 
now  made  a  banquet  in  his  special  honor.  During  the 
repast,  a  jealous  courtier  asked:  If  he — Columbus — 
had  not  discovered  the  Indies,  were  there  not  other  men 
in  Spain  who  might  have  done  so  ?  On  the  principle 
that  actions  sometimes  speak  louder  than  words,  the 
Admiral  took  an  &gg  and  invited  any  one  of  the  com- 
pany to  make  it  stand  on  end.  After  the  vain  attempt, 
variously  and  amusingly  made,  no  doubt,  had  gone  the 
round,  he  touched  it  to  the  table  firmly  enough  to 
depress  the  end,  and  so  made  it  stand. 


!#• 


*ti 


170 


APPRECIATION  OF  COLUMBUS. 


Il 


Si: 


f 


/ 
1' 


I' 


Like  many  other  striking  incidents  in  the  lives  of 
great  men,  this  lacks  the  earliest  and  best  authority, 
being  first  given  by  Benzoni  in  1865.  But  if  the  illus- 
tration were  "  a  hackneyed  one  even  in  those  days,  and 
we  find  it  ascribed,  among  others,  to  Brunelleschi,  the 
architect  who  constructed  the  marvellous  cupola  of  the 
Cathedral  of  Florence  seventy  years  before  the  first 
voyage  of  Columbus,"  still  it  may  have  been  original 
at  Mendoza's  table— at  least  in  the  manner  of  its  ap- 
plication. At  all  events,  it  bids  fair  to  live  as  long 
as  the  name  of  Columbus;  and,  as  Irving  has  said, 
"  the  universal  popularity  of  the  anecdote  is  a  proof  of 

its  merit." 

As  a  signal  of  honor  to  himself  and  family,  the  sov- 
ereigns gave  him  a  coat-of-arms.  May  20th  ;  the  fif^ld 
of  which  contained,  above,  a  lion  to  the  right  and  a 
castle  to  the  left ;  and  below,  five  golden  anchors  on  a 
blue  ground  to  the  right,  and  a  sort  of  archipelago  of 
golden  islands  on  a  sea  of  waves  to  the  left.  They  also 
prefixed  to  his  name,  with  much  preamble  and  formality 
of  statement,  the  title  "  Don,"  which  implied  a  high 
honor  in  those  days.  Now  it  scarcely  means  more  than 
Mr.  does  in  English. 

As  to  the  inscription, — 

"  To  Castile  and  to  Leon 
Columbus  gave  a  new  world," 

it  does  not  appear  in  the  earliest  representations  of  the 
escutcheon,  and  in  the  biography  ascribed  to  Ferdinand 
Columbus  the  motto  is  said  to  have  been  placed  on  his 
father's  tomb  by  the  King  some  time  after  his  death. 
Ferdinand's  appreciation  of  the  greatest  mar*  in  his 
realm  seems  to  have  overtaken  him  somewhat  late — 
after  that  man  was  cold  and  silent  in  death. 


MB  us. 


\  in  the  lives  of 

best  authority, 
But  if  the  illus- 

those  days,  and 
Jrunelleschi,  the 
us  cupola  of  the 

before  the  first 
/e  been  original 
anner  of  its  ap- 

to  live  as  long 
Irving  has  said, 
lote  is  a  proof  of 

1  family,  the  sov- 
j  20th  ;  the  fif'ld 
the  right  and  a 
[en  anchors  on  a 
Df  archipelago  of 

2  left.  They  also 
ible  and  formality 
,  implied  a  high 
means  more  than 


jsentations  of  the 
ibed  to  Ferdinand 
een  placed  on  his 
e  after  his  death, 
atest  mars  in  his 
somewhat  late — 
leath. 


CHAPTER  X. 

THE   BOUNDARY   LINE   AND  THE   SECOND   VOYAGE. 

PAIN  and  Portugal  were  rival  nations,  so 
closely  and  compactly  located  as  to  be  able 
to  watch  each  other  with  the  most  narrow- 
eyed  vigilance.  The  Pope,  regarded  as  ruler  of  Chris- 
tendom, and  so,  \v  a  spiritual  sense  at  least,  ruler  over 
all  nations,  was  supposed  to  be  able  to  give  away  a 
heathen  territory  to  any  Christian  nation  who  might 
discover  or  conquer  it  with  intent  of  evangelization. 
For  more  than  half  a  century  these  iucumbents'of  the 
papal  chair  had  given  Portugal  permission  to  sail  south, 
and  to  Spain  the  same  privilege  to  the  westward.  And 
in  1479  the  two  nations  had  agreed  to  abide  by  this 
decision  as  to  their  naval  enterprises.  For  many  years 
Portugal  seemed  to  have  the  field  of  promise  ;  and  no 
limit  appeared,  as  yet,  to  the  rich  territories  of  Africa. 
Spain,  meanwhile,  might  content  herself  with  her 
colony  on  the  Canaries,  or  speculate  on  the  "  Sea  of 
Darkness."  Now  the  scene  of  action  was  changed. 
Columbus,  sailing  to  the  west,  had  found  the  most  mag- 
nificent islands  and  what  seemed  to  be  a  mainland. 
Spain  was  sure  her  caravels  had  not  trespassed  on  the 
undiscovered  territories  assigned  to  her  neighbor,  but 
the  latter  was  not  so  sure.  So,  in  order  to  prevent  all 
controversy,  Spain  applied  to  Alexander  VI.  to  draw  a 
line  of  demarcation.  On  May  3d,  1493,  the  imaginary 
limit  was  announced,  one  hundred  leagues  west  of  the 


172 


LINE  OF  NO   VARIATION. 


Azores  and  Cape  Verde  Islands.  Beyond  this  Spain 
might  have  the  field  to  the  west,  if  she  would  plant  the 
Catholic  faith  in  the  new  territories.  No  one  thought 
of  the  trouble  which  such  a  line  might  cause  on  the 
other  side  of  the  globe. 

This  line  of  demarcation  corresponds  with  Colum- 
bus's line  of  no  variation  of  the  compass,  and  was  no 
doubt  suggested  by  him.  That  this  line  made  a  great 
impression  upon  him  is  clear  from  his  own  words  : 

"  Each  time  that  I  sail  from  Spain  to  India,  as  soon 
as  I  have  proceeded  about  a  hundred  nautical  miles  to 
the  west  of  the  Azores,  I  perceive  an  extraordinary 
variation  in  the  movements  of  the  heavenly  bodies,  in 
the  temperature  of  the  air,  and  in  the  character  of  the 
sea.  I  have  observed  these  alterations  with  especial 
care,  and  I  notice  that  the  mariner's  compass,  whose 
declination  had  hitherto  been  northeast,  was  now 
changed  to  northwest ;  and  when  I  had  crossed  this 
line,  as  if  in  passing  the  brow  of  a  hill,  I  found  the 
ocean  covered  by  such  a  mass  of  sea- weed,  similar  to 
small  branches  of  pine  covered  with  pistachi  nuts, 
that  we  were  apprehensive  that,  for  want  of  a  suffi- 
ciency of  water,  our  ships  would  run  upon  a  shoal. 
Before  we  reached  the  line  of  which  I  speak  there  was 
no  trace  of  any  such  sea-weed.  Oij  the  boundary  line, 
one  hundred  miles  west  of  the  Azores,  the  ocean  becomes 
at  once  still  and  calm,  being  scarcely  even  moved  by 
a  breeze.  On  my  passage  from  the  Canary  Islands  to 
the  parallel  of  Sierra  Leone  v/e  had  to  endure  a  fright- 
ful degrefe  of  heat,  but  as  soon  as  we  had  crossed  the 
above-mentioned  line  the  climate  changed,  the  air 
became  temperate,  and  the  freshness  increased  the 
farther  we  advanced." 


ON. 

^rond  this  Spain 

would  plant  the 

No  one  thought 

It  cp.iise  on  the 

ids  with  Colum- 
jass,  and  was  no 
ne  made  a  great 
own  words  : 
;o  India,  as  soon 
lautical  miles  to 
n  extraordinary 
Lvenly  bodies,  in 
character  of  the 
IS  with  especial 
compass,  whose 
heast,  was  now 
lad  crossed  this 
hill,  I  found  the 
-weed,  similar  to 
1  pistachi  nuts, 
want  of  a  suffi- 
1  upon  a  shoal, 
speak  there  was 
.e  boundary  line, 
le  ocean  becomes 
even  moved  by 
anary  Islands  to 
I  endure  a  fright- 
had  crossed  the 
hanged,  the  air 
s   increased  the 


PORTUGUESE  STRATECr. 


173 


How  natural,  if  not  necessary,  therefore,  it  is 
to  believe,  with  Humboldt  and  others,  that  Columbus 
sought  to  fix  the  political  line  by  the  physical.  But 
other  lines  of  no  variation  have  since  been  found ;  so 
that  this  was,  after  all,  no  natural  limit  of  territory. 

Portugal  was  exceedingly  anxious  to  get  a  foothold 
in  the  newly-discovered  country,  and  went  so  far  as 
to  fit  out  vessels  for  that  purpose,  thinking,  no  doubt, 
"CasA. posse ss>ion  was  "  nine  points  out  of  ten  in  the  law." 
She  was  as  tricky  now  as  she  had  been  with  Columbus 
some  years  before.  Ferdinand  either  knew  or  sus- 
pected what  was  in  progress,  and  sent  an  embassador 
with  two  letters,  one  friendly  and  the  other  threaten- 
ing. He  might  use  the  one  or  the  other,  as  the  case 
might  demand  on  his  arrival.  But  King  John  had 
bribed  Ferdinand's  counsellors,  who  kept  him  con- 
stantly advised  of  this  monarch's  plans,  and  thus  he 
was  made  ready  for  the  double  message.  Having 
escaped  the  trap,  he  sent  to  his  royal  brother,  saying 
that  during  sixty  days,  while  they  might  be  discuss- 
ing matters,  no  vessel  should  sail  on  any  voyage  of 
discovery.  This  might  prove  a  quietus  to  the  excite- 
ment; then,  too,  he  must  be  conciliatory,  for  he 
wanted  the  dividing  line  to  run  due  west  from  the 
Canaries,  instead  of  north  and  south.  This  sort  of 
parleying  just  suited  Ferdinand,  He  would  now  have 
time  to  get  Columbus  ready  fpr  his  second  voyage, 
while  King  John's  hands  were  thus  fastened  by  his 
own  tying.  He  sent  another  embassy,  which  was 
instructed  to  travel  slowly,  to  procrastinate  in  every 
possible  way,  and,  if  they  could  not  gain  time  enough 
otherwise,   to   call   an   arbitration.      King  John   saw 


T74 


lilSirOP  FONSJCA. 


through  the  scheme,  and,  helplessly  chagrined,  said, 
"  These  embassadors  have  neither  feet  to  travel  nor 
head  to  propose."  He  was  beaten  and  gave  up  the 
contest.  Behold  these  kings  playing  their  sharp 
game  for  islands  and  continents  ! 

P>erything  was  on  the  move  now,  in  order  to  be 
ready  as  soon  as  possible  for  Columbus's  second  voyage. 
Free  lodgings  were  granted  him  and  his  servitors 
wherever  he  went.  The  titles  and  privileges  before 
granted  were  confirmed,  and  he  was  given  the  royal 
seal,  to  be  used  as  occasion  might  require.  May  28th, 
after  having  received  every  possible  demonstration  of 
favor  from  the  sovereigns  and  from  the  whole  court, 
he  left  Barcelona,  and  reached  Seville  early  in 
June.  Here  hf  was  joined  by  Juan  Rodriguesde  Fou- 
sica,  archdeacon  of  Seville,  appointed  by  the  Crown  to 
direct  preparations.  This  church  dignitary  is  painted 
in  very  dark  colors  by  most  writers.*  He  began  to 
take  issue  at  once  with  Columbus  in  his  plans  of  prep- 
aration, particularly  in  respect  to  the  number  of  foot- 
men he  was  to  have  as  Admiral  and  Viceroy.  Foiled 
in  this  demur  by  the  sovereigns,  he  seems  to  have 
contracted  an  implacable  enmity  toward  his  victim, 
whom  he  never  ceased  to  persecute  till  the  day  of  his 
death,  and  then  he  seems  to  have  transferred  his 
spirit  of  unyielding  bitterness  to  the  Admiral's 
descendants.     He  held  the  control  of  the  affairs  of  the 


*"  A  shrewd  man  of  business,  a  hard  task-master,  an  implacable  enemy, 
he  displayed,  during  his  long  administration  of  Indian  aifairs,  all  the  quali- 
ties of  an  unscrupulous  tyrant,  and  was  instrumental  in  inflicting  on  the 
islanders  keener  miseries  than  ever  have  been  brought  by  conqueror  upon  a 
subject  race." — Helfs'  Life  of  Christopher  Columbus. 


W 


^>7MCW<(iim«ajfiia!KlilttMk^tt#WieSlliiMittM^^ 


FITTING  OUT  THE  FLEET. 


175 


chagrined,  said, 
et  to  travel  nor 
[id  gave  up  the 
tig    their    sharp 

in  order  to  be 
>  second  voyage, 
id  his  servitors 
rivileges  before 
given  the  royal 
lire.  May  28th, 
iemonstration  of 
he  whole  court, 
leville  early  in 
(drigues  de  Fou- 
by  the  Crown  to 
nitary  is  painted 
*  He  began  to 
is  plans  of  prep- 
number  of  foot- 
/^iceroy.     Foiled 

seems  to  have 
rard  his  victim, 
11  the  day  of  his 

transferred   his 

the  Admiral's 
the  affairs  of  the 


an  implacable  enemy, 
in  affairs,  all  the  quali- 
il  in  inflicting  on  the 
it  by  conqueror  upon  a 


Indies  some  thirty  years.     A  thoroughly  worldly  and 
unforgiving  spirit  seems  to  have  marked  his  career. 

"  Money  !  niouey  !"  is  often  the  cry  of  kings  as  well 
as  of  common  people.  The  new  fleet  would  require 
funds.  There  was  a  royal  order  which  put  all  the 
ships  and  seamen  in  the  ports  of  Andalusia  at  the 
service  of  Columbus  aid  Fonsica  at  reasonable  pay. 
This  would  ensure  convenience  and  economy.  Then 
two-thirds  of  the  tithes  of  the  church  were  appropriated  ; 
also  certain  sequestered  property  of  the  Jews,  so  cruelly 
banished.  Other  resources  were  husbanded.  Finally, 
a  loan  of  5,000,000  maravedis  was  secured  from  the 
Duke  of  Medina-Sidonia. 

Artillery  and  weapons  of  warfare  of  :ill  kinds  were 
gathered  from  the  various  ships  of  the  nation.  Mili- 
tary stores  left  over  from  the  Moorish  wars  and  stored 
in  the  Alhambra,  now  degraded  into  an  arsenal,  were 
laid  under  requisition.  Everything  was  hurry  and 
bustle,  for  Portugal  was  watching  and  might  take  advan- 
tage of  delay. 

How  remarkably  Italy  is  destined  to  contribute  to 
these  enterprises  in  discovery  !  Did  Perestrello  and 
Cadamosto  aid  Prince  Henry  ?  Here  is  not  only  Co- 
lumbus in  this  important  service  of  Spain,  but  the  man 
who  presides  over  all  this  din  of  preparation  in  the 
harbor  of  Seville,  Juonato  Beradi,  i&  a  Florentine  mer- 
chant now  settled  here ;  and,  more  interesting  still, 
that  man  assisting  him  so  energetically  is  Americus 
Vespuccius^  hereafter  to  give  name,  unwittingly  albeit, 
to  one-half  of  the  globe.  He  is  an  active  and  well-culti- 
vated man  of  some  forty-two  years. 

As  for  Isabella,  she  is  now  a  sort  of  missionary. 


176 


EMJiA.:h'A  riON  A  r  cadiz. 


The  Indians  brought  to  Barcelona  by  Columbus  are 
baptized,  the  King,  the  heir-apparent,  and  the  Queen 
herself  standing  as  sponsors;  the  whole  affair  being 
conducted  according  to  the  eccle::iastical  magnificence 
of  the  times.  She  is  instructing  ;:;e  Admiral  to  deal 
kindly  with  the  natives  of  the  new  country,  and 
punish  all  such  as  impose  on  them  or  put  stumbling- 
blocks  in  the  way  of  their  conversion  to  the  faith.  To 
Bernardo  Buil,  the  Be.h  dictine  monk  selected  by  the 
Pope  as  his  apostolical  vicar,  she  gives  the  sacred 
vestments  and  vessels  of  her  own  chapel.  He  and 
his  twelve  consecrated  a.ssistants  ruust  do  all  they  cau 
to  establish  a  church  in  the  new  vorld. 

The  scene  of  active  preparation  is  now  transferred 
to  tuc  liarbor  of  Cadijc,  from  which  the  fleet  is  to  sail. 
Seventeen  vessels  in  all  are  here — three  stately 
carracks,  several  yacht-like  crafts  of  light  draft  for 
coasting  and  exploring  ;  the  rest  are  caravels,  rounded 
up  at.  prow  and  stern  after  the  picturesque  style  of 
that  time.  An  extensive  fleet,  this,  compared  with  the 
three  small  vessels  which  sailed  from  Palos  less  than 
a  year  ago !  From  every  direction  the  stores  of  out- 
fit and  provisions  and  the  tide  of  living  things  flow  in. 
Here  comes  a  stock  of  cows ;  also  horses,  asses,  and 
other  beasts  ;  here  are  farm  implements  and  seeds  of 
all  the  grains,  vines,  and  fruit  trees  of  all  kinds — every- 
thing of  the  kind  needed  in  stocking  a  new  country. 
It  is  a  sort  of  entry  of  Noah's  Ark  on  a  large  scale. 

But  the  people  ! — see  them  crowd  and  throng !  No 
opening  of  prisons  now ;  no  persuasion  whatever 
necessary.  "  Men  were  ready  to  leap  into  the  sea  to 
swim,  if  it  had  been  possible,  into  those  new-found 


'S4.WBC, 


DIZ. 

)y  Columbus  are 
,  and  the  Queen 
hole  affair  being 
cal  magnificence 
Admiral  to  deal 
w  country,  and 
r  put  stumbliug- 
to  the  faith.  To 
:  selected  by  the 
^ives  the  sacred 
hapel.  He  and 
t  do  all  they  can 
i. 

now  transferred 
le  fleet  is  to  sail, 
e — three  stately 
'  light  draft  for 
aravels,  rounded 
Liresque  style  of 
mpared  with  the 
I  Palos  less  than 
he  stores  of  out- 
g  things  flow  in. 
Drses,  asses,  and 
nts  and  seeds  of 
ill  kinds — every- 
j  a  new  country. 

a  large  scale, 
ind  throng  I     No 
lasion   whatever 
p  into  the  sea  to 
;hose  new-found 


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THE  PEOPLE   WHO  EMBARK. 


177 


parts,"  says  one  who  lived  near  that  time.     At  first 
the  number  permitted  to  go  had  been  limited  to  1,000; 
but,    under   the   pressure,  it  soon   rose    to  1,200,  and 
finally  is  supposed  to  have  reached  in  all  nearly  1,500. 
In  addition    to  all   the  crews,  artisans,  laborers,   and 
officers,  here  was  the  adventurer,  ready  for  good  luck 
or  bad,  as  the  case  might  be,  expecting,  somehow,  to 
get    an  immense   amount   of    gold.     Here    was   the 
pleasure-seeker,  dreaming   of  some  elysium   of  easy 
delectation  and  unparalleled  scenes  of  beauty.     Here 
was  the  soldier,  looking  for  unheard-of  feats  in  arms. 
Finally,  here   were  those  who  merely  wanted  to  go, 
they  could  scarcely  tell  why,  but  managed  to   move 
along  with  the  crowd,  unchallenged,  and  stow  them- 
selves away  unseen.     All,  all  expecting,  somehow,  to 
pick  up  an  immense  fortune. 

But  there  are  some  here  who  must  not  be  lost  in  the 
crowd— Alonzo  de  Ojeda,  a  dashing,  daring  young 
soldier  from  the  Moorish  wars,  and  favorite  of  the 
Duke  of  Medina-Celi;  Diego,  youngest  brother  of 
Columbus  ;  Las  Casas,  father  of  the  famous  bishop 
and  apostle  to  the  Indians,  and  also  an  uncle ;  Juan 
Ponce  de  Leon,  of  Florida  fame  afterwards ;  Juan  de 
la  Cosa,  who  made  the  first  map  of  the  new  world, 
and  Dr.  Chanca,  of  Seville,  one  of  the  chief  chroniclers 
of  the  voyage. 

Strikingly  impressive  must  have  been  that  last  day 
in  port.  The  twelve  ecclesiastics,  under  their  leader, 
would  see  to  it  that  the  accustomed  religious  rites 
were  performed  by  all  the  crews.  Friends  embraced 
each  other.  Not  only  from  the  masts  did  gay  banners 
float,  but  brilliant  colored  fabrics  decorated  many  of 


;=r.l;1 


178      THE  FLEET  LEAVES  THE  HARBOR. 

the  ships.  The  royal  standard  was  on  the  stern  of 
every  vessel.  Pipers,  harpers,  clarions,  and  trumpets 
vied  with  each  other,  and  "  held  in  mute  astonishment 
the  neriads  and  even  che  sirens  with  their  sweet  modu- 
lations."    Cheers  rent  the  air,  and  cannon  thundered 

across  the  waters. 

The   morning   of   the    25th   of  September   dawned 
auspiciously.     Before  sunrise  the  voices  of  the  sailors 
were  heard,  as  they  weighed  anchors  and  hoisted  their 
sails.  The  vessels  fall  into  line,  and  are  escorted  out  onto 
the  deep  by  Venetian  galleys.     Surely  this  is  a  sud- 
den rise  of  glory  for  the  Admiral,  one  of  which  his 
excitable  nature  must  be  intensely  conscious. 
•    A  week  of  uneventful  sailing  passes,  and  on  the  ist 
of  October  the  fleet  reaches  the  Gran  Canaria.     Here 
they  stop  to  repair  a  leaky  ship.     On  the  5th  they 
reach   Goniera,  where  they  remain   two  days  to  com- 
plete their  outfit.     Finding  here  all  the  thriving  indus- 
tries of  civilized  life,  they  take  in,  not  merely  wood 
and  water,  but  also  increase  their  stock  of  domestic 
animals— calves,  goats,  sheep,  and  the  swine  from  which 
descended  the  abundant  supply  of  these  animals  for 
which   the   new   world   is   afterwards   noted,  some  of 
them  even  reverting  to  the  original  wild  state.    Domes- 
tic fowls  also  are  taken  in,  and  seeds  and  plants  for 
the  orange,  the  lemon,  melons,  &c. 

On  the  7th  they  are  under  way  again,  but  for  six 
days  they  are  becalmed  among  these  islands.  On  the 
13th,  however,  a  fresh  breeze  swells  their  sails,  and 
they  bear  to  the  south  of  the  course  of  the  former 
voyage,  for  the  Admiral  is  desirous  of  seeing  those 
islands  inhabited  by  "  man-eaters,"  said  to  lie  south- 
east of  Hayti. 


ARBOR. 

n  the  stern  of 
,  and  trumpets 
e  astonishment 
;ir  sweet  niodu- 
non  thundered 

:ember  dawned 
s  of  the  sailors 
ad  hoisted  their 
scorted  out  onto 
7  this  is  a  sud- 
e  of  which  his 
scions. 

,  and  on  the  ist 
Canaria.     Here 
n  the  5th  they 
o  days  to  com- 
-  thriving  indus- 
ot  merely  wood 
ock  of  domestic 
iwine  from  which 
lese  animals  for 
noted,  some  of 
id  state.    Domes- 
5  and  plants  for 

gain,  but  for  six 
islands.     On  the 

their  sails,  and 
se  of  the  former 

of  seeing  those 
laid  to  lie  south- 


STORM  AT  SEA. 


179 


As  they  are  now  out  on   the  wide  sea,- Columbus 
gives  sealed  directions  to  the  several  captains,  to  be 
opened  only  if  the  vessels  become  scattered,  in  order  • 
that  none  may  fail  to  make  their  port  at  La  Navidad. 
Las  Casas  says  these  instructions  were  under  seal  m 
order  that  even  the  captains  might  be  dependent  on 
Columbus  for  their  course  to  the  new  world,  and  no  one 
be  able  to  divulge  the  secret.     As  they  now  swept  on 
charmingly  in  the  track  of  the  trade-winds  their  only 
hindrance   was   the  tardy,  heavy  sailing  of  the   Ad- 
miral's ship.     Dr.  Chanca  thought  they  had  lost  one- 
fourth  of  their  time  on  the  voyage  on  account  of  her. 
Ten  days  passed  and  still  they  were  sailing  grandly. 
But  where  are  those  great  tracts  of  sea-weeds  which 
were  encountered  on  the  former  voyage  ?     They  are 
away  to  the  north,  and  are  not  needed  this  time  to 
remind  the  timid  sailors  of  land.     Now  the  ships  are 
outward  bound  for  a  definite  port,  every  eye  antici- 
pating the  most  magnificent  landfall  at  the  end  of  the 

voyage. 

As  the  end  of  the  month  approached  they  were  sur- 
prised by  drenching  rains,  sharp  lightnings,  and  crash- 
ing thunder.  For  hours  the  fleet  was  tempest-tossed, 
and  danger,  dark  and  threatening,  prevailed.  Inih^ 
language  of  Syllacius,  a  contemporary  writer,  "Their 
yards  were  broken,  their  sails  torn,  their  ropes  snapped 
asunder,  the  timbers  creaked,  the  decks  were  floating 
with  brine,  some  ships  hun^  suspended  on  the  sum- 
mits of  the  waves,  while  to  others  the  yawnmg  floods 
disclosed  the  bottom  between  the  billows."  But,  lo ! 
the  clear  glow  of  lights  at  the  tips  of  the  masts  and 
yards  of  the  ships,  especially  the  Admiral's  ship,  as- 


»iSlK-5- 


'iii&'^a.^a^fi 


i8o 


ST.  ELMO'S  LIGHTS. 


sures  one  and  all   that  the  good  St.  Elmo  is  present 
with  his  candles  and  will  secure  the  stilling  of  the 
tempest.     According  to  the  custom  of  sailors,  under 
the  spell  of  this  time-honored  superstition,  the  crews, 
with  tears  of  joy,  salute  the  saint  \>y  chanting  their 
''  sacred  hymns  "  and  "  offering  prayers."      "  Forth- 
with the  tempest  began  to  abate,  the  sea  to  remit  its 
fury,  the  waves  their  violence,  and  the   surface  of  the 
waves  became  as  smooth  as  polished    marble."      So 
says  Coma,  a  writer  of  that  time.     Herrera,  a  Spanish 
historian,  referring  to  the  same  nautical  superstition 
occurring  in  the  famous  voyage   of  Magellan,   says : 
"  During  these  great  storms,  they  said  that  St.  Elmo 
appeared  at  the  topmast  with  a  lighted  candle,  and 
sometimes  with  two,  upon  which  the  people  shed  tears 
of  joy,  receiving  great  consolation,  and  saluted  him 
according  to  the  custom  of  mariners.     He  remained 
visible  for  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  and  then  disappeared 
with  a  great  flash  of  lightning  which  blinded  the  peo- 
ple."    Both  Pliny  and  Seneca  mention  a  similar  super- 
stition as  prevailing  among    Roman    mariners,  who 
attributed  the  lights  to  Castor  and  Pollux,  tutelary 
divinities  of  sailors  in  ancient  times.     Hence  the  sign 
which  St.  Paul  saw  on  the  Alexandrian  ship,  referred 
to  in  Acts  viii,  ii.     These    lights   of  St.  Elmo  are 
now    known   to   be   simply   a   natural    phenomenon. 
When  storm-clouds,  heavily  charged  with  electricity, 
float  low  over  the  earth,  an  electrical  communication 
takes  place  between  them  and  such  projecting  points 
as  church-spires  and  masts  of  ships,  causing  them  to 
glow  with  a  blue-white  light,  which  may  continue  for 
a  number  of  seconds  or  ever  minutes. 


y. 

Elmo  is  present 
e  stilling  of  the 
of  sailors,  under 
itition,  the  crews, 
3'  chanting  their 
yers."  "  Forth- 
e  sea  to  remit  its 
le  surface  of  the 
id  marble."  So 
errera,  a  Spanish 
tical  superstition 

Magellan,  says : 
aid  that  St.  Elmo 
hted  candle,  and 
people  shed  tears 
and  saluted  him 
s.  He  remained 
then  disappeared 
1  blinded  the  peo- 
)n  a  similar  super- 
n  mariners,  who 
I  Pollux,  tutelary 
Hence  the  sign 
rian  ship,  referred 

of  St.  Elmo  are 
ral  ph  enomenon . 
[  with  electricity, 
al  communication 

projecting  points 
5,  causing  them  to 
may  continue  for 
s. 


LAND  IN  SIGHT. 


[8i 


Saturday  evening,  November  2d,  finds  the  crews 
weary  with  the  voyage,  which  must  have  been  im- 
mensely greater  than  most  of  them  had  ever  expe- 
rienced. The  sailors,  too,  are  tired  with  bailing  out  the 
water  from  leaky  ships.  It  would  seem,  also,  that 
the  supply  of  fresh  water  was  becoming  scant,  and 
that  some  wtfre  suffering  from  thirst.  The  pilots  cast 
up  their  reckonings,  some  concluding  that  they  were 
780  leagues  from  the  Canaries,  and  others  making  the 
distance  800  leagues.  The  Admiral  is  looking  sharply 
at  the  sky  and  sea,  and  is  watching  the  shifting  puffs 
of  wind.  He  is  sure,  from  the  color  of  the  water,  the 
motion  of  the  waves,  the  changing  winds,  and  the  fit- 
ful showers,  that  land  is  near.  With  his  wonted 
caution,  he  therefore  gives  orders  to  take  in  sail,  and 
watch  carefully  throughout  the  night. 

The  first  light  of  Sunday  morning  gilds  the  top  of 
a  high  mountain  directly  ahead.  All  are  cheered  with 
the  cry  of  "  land  "  from  the  mast-head  of  the  Admiral's 
ship.  Shouts  of  joy  ring  out  upon  the  waves  from 
the  whole  fleet.  Dominica  shall  be  the  name  of  the 
majestic  island  heaving  in  full  view,  says  Columbus, 
for  is  it  not  Sunday  ?  As  the  ships  move  on,  other 
islands,  clad  in  elysian  beauty,  rise  above  the  horizon 
like  beatific  visions.  Flights  of  brightly  colored, 
noisy  parrots  and  other  brilliant  tropical  birds  are 
winging  their  way  from  one  island  to  another,  and  the 
wind  from  off  the  land  is  laden  with  sweet  odors. 
Every  ves.sel  now  becomes  a  sanctuary.  The  decks 
bustle  with  the  crews  and  passengers,  and  the  united 
fleet  gives  thanks  for  the  prosperous  voyage,  and  chants 
the  impressive  service  of  the   church,  including  the 


t82 


GUADALOUPE. 


Saha   Rtirina.      Surely   this  is  a  fitting   manner  of 
saluting  the  Nnu  World  on  the  Lord's  day. 

Every  one  is  eager  to  set  foot  on  the  land,  but  Co- 
lumbus can  find  no  good  anchorage  for  the  fleet  along 
this  island,  so  they  sail  to  the  next  one  of  large  size, 
which  he  namea  Mariagalante,  after  his  ship.  Here 
they  land  and  set  up  the  royal  banner,  taking  pos- 
session, by  means  of  the  usual  ceremony,  of  this,  along 
with  the  other  five  islands  they  have  just  passed. 
But  are  there  no  inhabitants  in  this  luxuriant  forest 
redolent  with  spices  ?  Is  there  no  eye  to  behold  these 
brilliant  flowers  ? — no  hand  to  pluck  this  luscious 
fruit  ?     They  search  in  vain.     The  island  is  a  .solitude. 

As  nothing  could  be  so  interesting  here  as  some 
specimen  of  humanity,  they  make  sail  for  the  next 
large  island.  Another  night  is  spent  on  the  water,  and 
the  dawn  reveals  a  most  romantic  landscape.  A  vol- 
canic peak  rises  to  an  immense  height,  and  cataracts, 
pouring  down  its  sides,  appear  like  water  falling  out  of 
heaven.  Columbus,  recalling  a  promise  made  to  the 
monks  of  "  Our  Lady  of  Guadaloupe,"  in  Estremadura, 
names  this  large  and  wonderful  island  Guadaloupe. 

The  next  day  they  land  and  pas's  a  week  of  sight- 
seeing. Here  is  the  first  village  in- the  New  World! — 
desolate  and  forsaken,  however,  excepting  the  infants 
and  little  ones,  whom  the  terrified  mothers  have  left  be- 
hind in  their  flight.  But  their  frightened,  innocent 
staring  is  soon  diverted  by  gentle  caresses  and  by  those 
tinkling  hawk's  bells  and  other  bright  trinkets  which 
the  strangers  bind  upon  their  naked  arms. 

Let  us  look  around  upon  this  strange  village  ! — upon 
this  scene  in  human  life  forever  passed  away !     The 


A    VI r J. AGE  OF  THE  NATIVES. 


1'^.^ 


:tiiig   manner  of 
'.V  day. 

he  land,  bnt  Co- 
or  the  fleet  along 
ne  of  large  size, 
his  ship.  Here 
inief,  taking  pos- 
my,  of  this,  along 
ave  jnst   passed. 

luxni-iant  forest 
e  to  behold  these 
ck  this  luscious 
land  is  a  solitude, 
ig  here  as  some 
;ail   for  the  next 

on  the  water,  and 
mdscape.  A  vol- 
ht,  and  cataracts, 
ater  falling  out  of 
iiise  made  to  the 
"  in  Estremadura, 
i  Guadaloupc. 

a  week  of  sight- 
tie  New  World ! — 
ipting  the  infants 
thers  have  left  be- 
yhtened,  innocent 
isses  and  by  those 
ht  trinkets  which 
irms.  ♦ 

ge  village  ! — upon 
ssed  away !     The 


houses — about  thirty,  built  of  logs  or  poles,  intenvoven 
with  branches  and  huge  reeds  and  thatched   with  the 
immense,  tough  leaves  of  the  palm — are  not  constructed 
after   the   circular.,  xvigxvam  style,  so  common  on  most 
other    islands,    but   are   square   and   cotlagd--iike,   with 
porticoes,  the  posts  of  which  are  sometimes  carved  to  rep- 
resent objects — serpents  in  one  instance.     And  they  are 
built  around  a  square,  in  truly  social  style.     Let  us  enter 
and  examine  the  furniture.     Ah  !  here  is  the  hammock, 
the  Indian  bed,  which  is  to  add  a  novelty  to  civilized 
luxury  and  a  new  word  to  our  language.     It  is  made 
of  a  loose,  rope-like  twisting  of  cotton,  tied  in  a  net-like 
form,  and  hung  by  cords.     For  dishes,  here  is  the  cala- 
bash,  rude  earthen   bowls,   and,   O   horrors !    human 
skulls  for  drinking  vessels !     Here  are  fabrics  of  cot- 
ton—" many  cotton  sheets,'"  says  Dr.  Chanca,  "  so  well 
woven    as  to  be  in   no   way  inferior   to  those  of  our 
country  "—and  also  cotton  yarn  and  the  crude  wool. 
Here  are  huge    bows    and    arrows    tipped    with  bone 
—bones  of  human  shins,  the  best  judges  think.     Dr. 
Chanca  mentions  arrows  pointed  "  with  tortoise-shell  " 
and  "  fish  spines,"  "  barbed  like  coarse  saws." 

The  same  author — and  he  was  an  eye-witness  of  the 
very  scenes  we  are  now  describing — says  of  these 
islanders,  the  Caribs :  "In  their  attacks  upon  the 
neighboring  islands,  these  people  capture  as  many  of 
the  women  as  they  can,  especially  those  who  are  young 
and  beautiful,  and  keep  them  as  concubines ;  and  so 
great  a  number  do  they  carry  off  that  in  fifty  houses 
no  men  were  to  be  seen,  and  out  of  the  number  of  the 
captives  more  than  twenty  were  young  girls.  These 
women  also  say  that  the  Caribbees  use  them  with  such 


1 84 


CAR  IB  CRUELTr  TO  CAPTIVES. 


cruelty  as  would  scarcely  be  believed,  and  that  they 
eat  the  children  which  they  bear  to  them,  and  only 
bring  up  those  whicli  they  have  by  their  native  wives. 
Such  of  their  male  enemies  as  they  can   take  alive 
they  bring  to  their  houses  to  make  a  feast  of  them, 
and  those  who  are  killed  they  devour  at  once.     They 
say  that  man's  flesh  is  so  good  that  there  is  nothing 
like  it  in  the  world  ;  and   this  is  pretty  evident,  for  of 
the  bones   which   we  found   in  their  houses  they  had 
gnawed    everything    that    could    be  gnawed,    so    that 
nothing  remained  of  them  but  what  was  too  tough  to 
be  eaten  ;  in  one  of  the  houses'  we  found  the  neck  of 
a  man  undergoing  the  process  of  cooking  in  a  pot. 
When  they  take  any  boys  prisoners  they  dismember 
them  and  make  use  of  them  until  they  grow  up  to 
manhood,  and  then  when  they  wish  to  make  a  feast 
they  kill  and  eat  them,  for  they  say  that  the  flesh  of 
boys  and  women  is  not  good  to  eat.     Three  of  these 
boys  came  fleeing  to  us  thus  mutilated."* 

Now  let  us  see  what  there  is  around  the  houses  of 
this  strange  village.  Here  are  domesticated  geese, 
possibly  ducks,  not  unlike  those  of  Europe  ;  and  par- 
rots as  large  as  the  common  fowl  and  of  the  most 
striking  contrasts  of  brilliant  plumage— the  blue, 
green,  and  scarlet  being  illuminated  with  the  lightest 
shades,  even  to  white.  Here  may  also  be  some  of  those 
dogs  more  or  less  common  to  the  islands  throughout, 
"  of  various  colors,"  some  of  them  "  like  large  house 
dogs,"  some  of  them  like  "  beagles,"  but  none  of  them 

1  Syllacius  says,  "  U  is  their  custom  to  dismember  the  male  children  and 
young  slaves  whom  they  capture,  and  fatten  them  like  capons.  They  feed 
with  greater  care  those  that  are  thin  of  flesh  and  emaciated,  as  we  do 
wethers." 


PTI VES. 

jd,  and  that  they 

0  them,  and  only 
heir  native  wives, 
sy  can   take  alive 

1  a  feast  of  them, 
ir  at  once.  They 
;  there  is  nothing 
itty  evident,  for  of 
•  honses  they  had 

gnawed,  so  that 
t  was  too  tough  to 
found  the  neck  of 
cooking  in  a  pot. 
s  they  dismember 
1  they  grow  up  to 
h  to  make  a  feast 
y  that  the  flesh  of 
t.  Three  of  these 
:ed."* 

mnd  the  houses  of 
omesticated  geese, 

Europe ;  and  par- 
.  and  of  the  most 
lumage — the  blue, 
i  with  the  lightest 
so  be  some  of  those 
slands  throughout, 

"  like  large  house 
"  but  none  of  them 

nbei-  the  male  children  and 

m  like  capons.    They  feed 

and  emaciated,  as  vre  do 


KITCHEN  MIDDENS. 


185 


able  to  bark.  But  here  is  something— probably  in  the 
rude  cottage  garden— at  once  fragrant,  curious  to  the 
eye,  and  delicious  to  the  taste— the  pineapple. 

Syllacius  says,  "  Hares,  serpents,  and  lizards  of 
monstrous  size  are  produced  in  this  'island.  There 
are  also  dogs  which  do  not  bark,  and  are  not  subject 
to  canine  madness.  They  divide  these  at  the  spine, 
and,  after  roasting  them  slightly,  satisfy  their  hunger 
with  them  when  human  flesh  cannot  be  obtained. 
They  have  birds  of  various  kinds,  among  these  a  pro- 
digious number  of  parrots." 

In  one  house  they  find  what  seems  to  be  an  iron  pot, 
since  thought  to  have  been  made  of  a  peculiar  stone, 
as  iron  was  not  found  in  that  region.  But  here  is  a 
curiosity  among  savages— the  stern-post  of  a  vessel ! 
This  must  have  drifted  across  the  ocean  from  some 
civilized  country.  Perhaps  it  is  a  part  of  the  wreck  of 
the  Santa  Maria.  Now  all  stand  aghast  at  the  sight 
of  a  pile  of  human  bones— probably  the  remains  of 
many  an  unnatural  repast. 

The  fleet  now  moved  on  some  six  miles,  and  anchored 
in  another  harbor.  The  island,  some  seventy  miles 
long,  consisted  of  magnificent  mountains  and  fertile 
plains.  Small  towns  were  found  here  and  there  along 
the  coast,  but  the  inhabitants  had  fled  in  terror  at  the 
sight  of  the  sails.  Those  who  landed  succeeded,  how- 
ever, in  taking  a  number  of  women  and  several  small 
boys,  all  captives,  who  were  glad  of  an  opportunity  to 
escape,  and  were  not  only  greatly  relieved  but  delighted 
when  they  were  given  to  understand  that  these  remark- 
able strangers  were  opposed  to  eating  human  beings. 
"  During  the  seven  days  that  the  vSpaniards  remained 


;ii£H6MiW^^iit>. 


1 86 


STORr  OF  THE  CArTlVES. 


in  this  island,"  says  vSyllacius,  "  many  fugitives  and 
female  ca])tivcs  from  the  Caribs  son.u^lU  refnji;e  in  the 
ships.  These  bcinjj^  received  with  hnmanity  and  lib- 
erally snpplied  with  food  conclnded  that  the  gods 
had  come  for  their  deliverance.  When  the}-  were 
advised  by  the  Spaniards  to  return  to  the  Caribs,  they 
threw  themselves  at  their  feet  as  sup])liants,  and  some 
clasped  their  arms  round  the  masts,  entreatinii:^,  with 
floods  of  tears,  that  they  should  not  be  driven  away  to 
fall  again  into  the  hands  of  the  Caribs,  to  be  butchered 
like  sheep."  From  these  captives,  through  th^ir  inter- 
preters, the  Spaniards  succeeded  in  drawing  out  quite 
a  little  information  about  the  islands.  It  soon 
became  apparent  that  several  of  the  more  important 
of  them  were  in  league,  and  that  they  made  war  tipon 
the  remaining  islands  in  their  vicinity.  They  would 
even  venture  out  on  the  sea  in  their  canoes,  made  of 
hollowed-out  trunks  of  trees,  to  the  distance  of  a  hun- 
dred and  fifty  leagues.  They  were  very  expert  with 
the  bow  and  arrow,  the  latter  being  not  only  tipped 
with  bone  or  some  other  hard  substance,  but  also 
charged  with  the  juice  of  poisonous  herbs. 

Many,  indeed,  were  the  startling  facts  which  their 
much-relieved  captives  had  succeeded  in  communicat- 
ing. And  now  great  was  their  alarm,  at  night,  to 
find  that  one  of  the  captains  and  eight  men  were 
missing.  vStraying  away  without  permission,  the}'  had 
become  bewildered  and  lost  in  the  dense  tangled  woods. 
Early  the  next  morning  the  Admiral  sent  out  parties 
in  various  directions  to  blow  their  trumpets  and  scour 
the  woods,  while  guns  and  arquebuses  were  .fired  from 
the  ships  along  the  shore  ;  bnt  those  sent  out  returned 


^71  liS. 

laiiy  fugitives  and 
u^lit  refujife  in  the 
hnnianity  and  lib- 
?d  that  the  gods 
When  they  were 
to  the  Caribs,  thev 
:)])liants,  and  some 
Ls,  entreatinj:^,  with 
be  driven  away  to 
bs,  to  be  bntchered 
hronjj^li  th^ir  inter- 
drawing  ont  qnite 
ishmds.  '  It  soon 
le  more  important 
ey  made  war  npon 
lity.  They  wonld 
ir  canoes,  made  of 
distance  of  a  hnn- 
!  very  expert  with 
ig  not  only  tipped 
nbstance,  but  also 
herbs. 

facts  which  their 
ed  in  communicat- 
larm,  at  night,  to 
i  eight  men  were 
■rmission,  the}'  had 
nise  tangled  woods, 
al  sent  out  parties 
:rumpets  and  scour 
ses  were  jired  from 
e  sent  out  returned 


CAR  Hi   WOMEN.  1S7 

at  night  without  sight  or  stmnd  of  the  lost.  And 
what  shocking  spectacles  they  had  witnessed  !— limbs 
of  human  bodies  hung  up  in  the  houses,  as  if  curing 
for  provision  ;  the  head  of  a  youth,  so  recently  severed 
from  the  body  that  the  blood  was  yet  dripping  from  it, 
and  parts  of  his  body  were  roasting  before  the  fire, 
along  with  the  savory  flesh  of  geese  and  parrots. 

During  the  day  several  natives  had  been  ga/ing  o?i 
the  boats  in  the  distance,  but  they  fled  when  they  were 
approached.     Also  some  captive  women  appealed  to 
thera    for   protection.     These   they  decked   out  with 
hawk's  bells  and  beads,  and  sent  them  back  to  the 
shore,   hoping   to   entice    the   men.      But   they   soon 
returned,  stripped  of  their  ornaments,  and  begged  to 
be  taken  on  board.     Interviewing  these  they  learned 
that  the  chief  was  now  away  in  search  of  victims,  hav- 
ing with  him  ten  canoes  and  some  three  hundred  men. 
Meanwhile,  the  women,  who  could  handle  the  bow 
nearly  as  well  as  the  men,  were  left  in  defence  of  the 
islands.     Dr.   Chanca  wrote,  "  We   were   enabled    to 
distinguish   which    of  the  women    were  natives   and 
which    were   captives   by  the   Caribbees   wearing  on 
each  leg  two  bands  of  woven  cotton,  the  one  fastened 
round  the  knee  and  the  other  round  the  ankle;  by 
this  means  they  make   the  calves  of  their  legs  large 
and  the  above-mentioned  parts  very  small,   which  I 
imagine  that  they  regard  as  ^  matter  of  prettiness." 

But  what  was  to  be  done  for  the  missing?  Alonxo 
de  Ojeda,  always  ready  for  some  daring  adventure, 
offered  his  services.  With  forty  men,  he  undertook 
to  search  the  island.  They  went  a  long  distance  into 
the  interior,  blew  trumpets  in  the  valleys  and  on  the 


^^^0^^&is&s^&^m^^^k- 


mmm^m.&m^ii^ 


1 88 


A   CHARMING   COUNTRY. 


mountains,  waded  many  streams,  tore  their  way 
through  almost  impenetrable  tangles  of  briers  and 
bushes,  but  could  find  no  trace  of  the  lost. 

But  the  countr}' ! — its  fertility,  the  aromatic  trees 
and  shrubs  ;  the  bright  flowers,  of  every  form  and 
hue ;  the  fruits,  at  once  beautiful,  fragrant,  and  luscious  ; 
and  the  birds,  the  brilliant  plumage  of  which  had  the 
lustre  of  gems  in  the  sun.  Even  the  butterflies  and 
beetles,  so  large  and  so  resplendent,  must  have 
charmed  them.  And  what  quantities  of  honey  they 
had  found,  both  in  hollow  trees  and  in  clefts  of  rocks ! 

As  the  crews  had  now  taken' in  water,  washed  their 
clothes,  and  recreated  themselves  along  the  shore,  the 
fleet  was  ordered  to  sail.  At  the  last  moment,  the 
missing  men  arrived,  in  the  most  pitiable  state  of 
exhaustion.  In  their  bewildered  wanderings,  they 
had  scaled  rocks,  waded  streams,  torn  their  way 
through  briers  and  tangled  vines,  climbed  trees  in 
fruitless  effort  to  see  the  stars  and  so  find  their  posi- 
tion as  they  were  accustomed  to  do  at  sea,  and  traversed 
forests  so  dense  that  they  were  almost  dark  at  midda}-. 
Finally  reaching  the  shore,  they  had  happened  to  go 
in  the  direction  of  the  ships.  Native  women  and  boys 
they  had  brought,  but  had  seen  no  men. 

The  Indians  kept  telling  Columbus  that  the  mainland 
was  to  the  south,  but  he.  having  La  Navidad  immediatel}' 
in  view,  sailed  to  the  northwest.  Through  a  continuous 
archipelago  of  the  most  enchanting  islands  the  fleet 
passed,  the  Admiral  giving  a  name  to  each  as  they 
went  along. 

On  the  14th,  as  the  weather  became  threatening,  he 
made  harbor  in  an  island  called   Ayay  by  the  natives, 


OUNTRT, 

Jams,  tore  their  way 
tangles  of  briers  and 
of  the  lost. 

ity,  the  aromatic  trees 
TS,  of  every  form  and 
,  fragrant,  and  luscious  ; 
nage  of  which  had  the 

en  the  butterflies  and 
splendent,  must  have 
antities  of  honey  they 

and  in  clefts  of  rocks  ! 
in  water,  washed  their 
es  along  the  shore,  the 
;  the  last  moment,  the 
most  pitiable  state  of 
red  wanderings,  the)^ 
earns,  torn  their  way 
ines,  climbed  trees  in 
and  so  find  their  posi- 
do  at  sea,  and  traversed 
almost  dark  at  raidda}-. 
ly  had  happened  to  go 
Native  women  and  boys 

no  men. 

mbus  that  the  mainland 
^a  Navidad  immediatelj' 

Through  a  continuous 
mting  islands  the  fleet 
name  to  each  as  they 

became  threatening,  he 
1   Ayay  by  the  natives. 


A  FIGHT  WITH  THE  CARIBS. 


189 


but  which  he  named   Santa   Cruz.      They   were   still 
among  the  ferocious  Caribs.     The  boat  which  landed 
found,  as  usual,  a  village  without  men,  and  most  of  the 
women   and  boys  which  they  took  to  the  ships  were 
captives,  taken  by  these  warriors   in   their  usual  way. 
Meanwhile,  a  canoe  has  come  round  a  point,  and,  ap- 
proaching the  ships,  the  men  and  two  women  gaze  in 
astonishment    at  the  fleet— a    group  of   huge   figures 
which  must  have  been   novel  indeed  to  them.     A  boat 
steals   hard   upon  them  before  they  are   aware  of   it. 
They   attempt   to    escape,   plying   their   paddles   like 
witches,   but    the   boat   cuts   off   their  retreat.      The 
natives  seize  their  bows,  and  the  arrows  come  whizzing 
so  closely  that  the  Spaniards  shield  themselves  with 
their  bucklers.     The  women  are  as  fierce  and  take  as 
close  aim  as  the  men,  one  of  them  sending  an  arrow 
clear  through    a   buckler   and   wounding   a   Spaniard. 
Seeing  that  several   of   their   men   are   wounded,  the 
Spaniards   run    their  boat   into    the  broadside  of  the 
canoe  and  upset  it.     But  these  Caribs  can  fight  about 
as  well  in  water  as  in  their  canoe ;  and  one  Spaniard 
feels  the  deadly  wound  of  a  poisoned  arrow,  sent  by  one 
of  the  women,  and  afterwards  dies  in  consequence. 

"  At  last,"  says  Syllacius,  "  they  were  captured  and 
taken  to  the  Admiral.  One  of  them  was  pierced  through 
in  seven  places,  and  his  intestines  protruded  from  his 
wounds.  Since  it  was  belieyed  that  he  could  not  be 
healed,  he  was  thrown  into  the  sea ;  but  emerging  to 
the  surface,  with  one  foot  upraised  and  with  his  left 
hand  holding  his  intestines  in  their  place,  he  swam 
courageously  toward  the  shore.  This  caused  great 
alarm  to  the  Indians  who  were  brought  along  as  inter- 


I  go 


A  SAVAGE  HERO. 


% 


preters,    for  tliey   dreaded    that    the  cunning  Caribs, 
taking   to   flight,   would   contrive   some   more   savage 
schemes  of   vengeance.       They  accordingly  persisted 
obstinately  in  maintaining  the  opinion  that  those  who 
were  caught  should  be  put  out  of  the  way.     The  Carib 
was  therefore  recaptured   near  thp  shore,  bound  hand 
and  foot  more  tightly,  and  again  thrown  headlong  into 
the   sea.      This   resolute   barbarian   swam   still   more 
eagerly   towards   the   shore,   till,  pierced    with   many 
arrows,  he  at  length  expired.  •  Scarcely  had  this  been 
done,  when  the  Caribs  came  running  to  the  shores  in 
great  numbers— a  horrible  sight.     They  were  of  a  dark 
color,  fierce  aspect,  stained  with  red  interspersed  with 
various  colors,  for  the  purpose  of  increasing  the  ferocity 
of  their  looks.     One  side  of  their  heads  was  shorn,  the 
other  side  covered  with  straight  black  hair  hanging 
down  at  full  length.     From  these  also  many  captives 
fled  to  the  ships,  as  it  were  to  the  altars  of  safety,  com- 
plaining  loudly  of   the   cruelty   and   ferocity   of   the 

Caribs."  ir    r  t, 

Peter  Martyr  can  scarcely  deliver  himself  ot  the  sen- 
sations of  horror  at  the  sight  of  these  Caribs  when 
brought  to  Spain.  Tall  of  stature,  frowning  and  defiant 
in  countenance  ;  their  long,  coarse  hair ;  circles  of  paint 
around  the  eyes  ;  bands  of  cotton  above  and  below  the 
muscles  of  the  arms  and  legs,  causing  them  to  swell- 
all  rendered  them  most  hideous  and  terrifying.  They 
were,  however,  a  brave  race,  the  mothers  teaching  their 
children  to  use  the  bow  and  arrow  while  scarcely  more 
than  infants.  Their  hardy,  roaming  life  developed 
their  intelligence ;  and  while  the  neighboring  tnbes 
could  measure  time  only  by  the  days  and  nights  and 


ng-twntiiii-THrrW'-it-^""^  *"'*'•  ■■****^"^- 


o. 


CONVERTED  INDIANS. 


191 


tie  cunning  Caribs, 
some   more   savage 
ccordingly  persisted 
nion  that  those  who 
Ke  way.     The  Carib 
i  shore,  bound  hand 
irown  headlong  into 
n   swam   still   more 
pierced    with   many 
ircely  had  this  been 
ling  to  the  shores  in 
They  were  of  a  dark 
ed  interspersed  with 
icreasing  the  ferocity 
heads  was  shorn,  the 
black  hair  hanging 
also  many  captives 
altars  of  safety,  coni- 
and   ferocity   of   the 

:r  himself  of  the  sen- 
f  these  Caribs  "when 
,  frowning  and  defiant 
hair ;  circles  of  paint 
above  and  below  the 
ising  them  to  swell — 
nd  terrifying.  They 
lothers  teaching  their 
V  while  scarcely  more 
iming  life  developed 
e  neighboring  tribes 
days  and  nights  and 


the  sun  and  moon,  they  could  make  a  fair  attempt  at 
calculating  times  and  seasons  by  the  stars. 

But  enough  of  the  Caribs.  The  fleet  moved  on  past 
Santa  Ursula  and  her  eleven  thousand  virgins  till  it 
reached  Porto  Rico,  which  was  the  home  of  most  of  the 
captives  taking  refuge  with  the  Spaniards.  On  the 
west  end  they  found  a  fine  harbor,  abounding  in  fish. 
Here  was  a  native  village,  with  a  public  square,  a  main 
road,  a  terrace — all  in  all,  quite  an  artistic,  home-like 
place.  But  every  soul  had  fled — everything  was  silent 
as  death. 

Columbus  is  nearing  Hayti  and  is  anxious  for  his 
garrison  at  the  fort.  As  the  fleet  passes  along  the 
north  side  of  the  island,  they  barely  touch  in  a  few 
places.  Once  a  boat  is  sent  ashore  with  two  caravels  to 
guard  it,  while  the  sailor  is  buried  who  died  from  the 
poisoned  arrow  of  the  Caribs.  On  reaching  the  Gulf 
of  Saniana,  where  the  affray  with  the  arrows  occurred 
on  the  previous  voyage,  Columbus  sent  ashore  one  of 
the  young  men  taken  from  thence  to  Spain.  This  and 
one  other  were  the  only  natives  left  of  the  seven  who 
had  left  Spain  with  the  fleet,  five  having  died  on  the 
way.  He  was  finely  dressed  and  highly  ornamented. 
The  Admiral  expected  much  from  this  attractively 
attired  convert  to  the  Christian  faith,  and  the  youth 
had  made  many  fair  promises,  but  he  never  returned. 
The  Lticayan,  named  Diego  Colon  at  his  baptism,  after 
the  Admiral's  brother,  became  a  very  efiicient  interpreter 
of  the  natives,  and  remained  faithful  to  the  Spaniards 
till  death. 

In  the  harbor  of  Monte  Christi,  at  the  mouth  of  the 
River  of  Gold — so  named  because  gold  had  been  found 


192 


LA  N AVI  DAD. 


in  its  sands  on  the  previous  voyage — the  fleet  anchors 
again,  the  Admiral  having  some  thought  of  a  settle- 
ment here.  As  the  crews  stroll  along  the  shore  and 
into  the  woods,  they  find  Several  decaying  bodies,  "  one 
with  a  rope  round  his  neck,  and  the  other  with  one 
round  his  foot."  "On  the  following  day  th'jy  found 
two  other  corpses  farther  on,  and  one  of  chese  was 
observed  to  have  a  great  quantity  of  beard"  (Chanca). 
Here  are  indications  which  awaken  fears  for  the  gar- 
rison at  La  Navidad. 

But  why  do  these  natives  come  on  board  the  ships 
for  traffic  with  so  much  confidence  ?  Surely  they  can- 
not be  guilty  of  murdering  the  white  men.  The  night 
has  settled  down  and  left  a  mere  outline  of  the  moun- 
tains against  the  sky  when  the  fleet  reaches  the  harbor 
of  La  Navidad,  so  the  anchors  are  dropped  about  a 
league  from  land.  Two  cannon  are  fired.  Every 
ear  listens  for  a  response  from  the  guns  on  the  fortress, 
but  hears  only  the  echo  as  it  rolls  along  the  shore. 
They  strain  their  eyes  for  some  signal-light,  but  all  is 
darkness  and  silence.  Where  are  the  fires  of  the  na- 
tives which  gleamed  through  the  forest  in  every 
direction  when  Columbus  was  here  before  ? 

The  hours  drag  on  .slowly,  for  every  one  is  in  sus- 
pense. At  midnight  they  hear  the  paddles  of  a  canoe 
approaching.  Listen !  the  paddles  cease  and  a  voice 
is  calling — calling  for  the  Admiral.  The  natives  are 
directed  to  the  flag-ship,  but  will  not  come  on  board 
till  they  are  assured  by  the  person  of  the  Admiral, 
made  clear  in  a  strong  light.  One  of  them  is  a  cousin 
of  the  good  cacique  Guacanagari,  and,  coming  on 
board,  he  presents  to  the  'Admiral  two  masks,  "  gilt- 
edged"  as  usual. 


DESOLATION  OF  THE  HARBOR. 


193 


-the  fleet  anchors 
ought  of  a  settle- 
»iig  the  shore  and 
ying  bodies,  "  one 
e  other  with  one 
J  day  th  jy  found 
one  of  these  was 
beard"  (Chanca). 
fears  for  the  gar- 

1  board  the  ships 
Surely  they  can- 
men.     The  night 
ine  of  the  moun- 
reaches  the  harbor 
dropped  about  a 
ire   fired.      Every 
ms  on  the  fortress, 
along  the  shore, 
lal-light,  but  all  is 
le  fires  of  the  na- 
;    forest   in   every 
)efore  ? 

^ery  one  is  in  sus- 
paddles  of  a  canoe 
cease  and  a  voice 
The  natives  are 
ot  come  on  board 
1  of  the  Admiral, 
>f  them  is  a  cousin 
,  and,  coming  on 
two  masks,  "gilt- 


But  to  the  story  of  the  fort.  Columbus  must  know 
what  is  become  of  his  men.  They  depend  on  the  La- 
cayan  interpreter,  and  he  cannot  understand  these 
Haytians  very  well,  the  dialect  being  somewhat  dififer- 
ent.  If  these  latter  are  rather  reticent  at  first,  a  liberal 
supply  of  wine  at  the  repast  given  them  makes  them 
quite  communicative,  and  by  and  by  a  fairly  connected 
story  is  elicited.  Some  of  the  men  at  the  fort  had 
sickened  and  died.  Others  had  quarrelled  among 
themselves.  Others  had  gone  away  into  the  island 
and  taken  wives.  Caonabo,  the  mountain  cacique,  had 
attacked  Guacanagari,  had  wounded  him  and  burnt 
his  village.  Hence  it  was  that  the  friendly  chief  was 
not  present  to  welcome  him. 

This  narration  of  facts  was  sad  enough,  but  it  re- 
lieved the  Admiral  of  suspense  and  left  him  the 
hope  of  still  finding  some  of  his  men  in  the  island. 
At  any  rate,  Guacanagari  had  been  faithful,  and  his 
people  were  still  friendly. 

When  the  next  morning  dawned  Columbus  was 
impressed  with  the  changed  aspect  of  the  place.  The 
year  before,  every  part  of  the  island  teemed  with  life. 
Here  and  there  the  smoke  of  the  hamlet  ascended. 
The  natives  swarmed  along  the  shore.  Canoes  were 
coming  and  going  about  the  harbor.  Now  there  was 
simply  desolation  and  silence.  A  boat  was  sent  ashore 
to  examine  the  fort,  and  the  explorers  found  that  the 
evidences  confirmed  their  fears.  Everything  was  in 
ruins.  Here  and  there  were  fragments  of  chests, 
spoiled  provisions,  and  weather-worn  garments.  Yon- 
der lurked  several  Indians  behind  the  trees,  closely 
eyeing  every  movement.     The  Admiral,  distressed  at 


194 


SEARCH  ABOUT  THE  FORT. 


%i 


r 
% 


this  report,  came  ashore  himself  the  following  morn- 
ing.    He  made  the  closest  search  among  the  ruins  and 
around  for  some  distance,  finding  broken  utensils  and 
shreds  of  garments  among  the  grass  and  weeds.     Ar- 
quebuses and  cannon,  fired  from  the  fleet,  thundered 
along  the  shore,  in  order  to  arouse  any  of  the  garrison 
who  might  be  hiding  away  in  the  neighborhood,  but 
there  was  no  response.     They  now  explored  the  site 
of  Guacanagari's   village,   and    found    only    charred 
ruins.     As  Columbus  had  ordered  the  officers  of  La 
Navidad  to  bury  what  treasure  they  might  have,  or 
throw  it  into  the  well  in  case  'of  sudden  danger,  they 
excavated  at  various  points  and  cleaned  out  the  ditch 
and  the  well,  but  nothing  could  be  found.     While  all 
this  was  in  progress  the  Admiral  took  the  boats  along 
the  shore,  partly  to  extend  the  search  and  partly  to 
find  a  better  site  for   his   settlement.      About   three 
leagues  distant  was  a  hamlet  which  evidently  had  been 
abandoned  in  haste.     The  houses^ — almost  overgrown 
with  grass  and  weeds — and  the  grass  and  weeds  for  a 
long  distance  around  were  thoroughly  searched.    Here 
were    stockings,  pieces   of  cloth,  the    anchor  of  the 
Santa  Maria,  and  a  beautiful  Moorish  robe  carefully 
folded  as  when  brought  from  Spain.     Meanwhile,  not 
far  from  the  fortress,  some  of  the  men  dug  out  here 
and    there,   from    under    the    grass,    eleven    bodies, 
evidently  in  European  clothing.      These  they  gave  a 
formal  Christian  burial. 


»  Dr.  Chanca  says,  concerning  this  village :  "  These  people  are  so 
degraded  that  they  have  not  even  sense  to  select  a  fitting  place  to  live ;  those 
who  dwell  on  the  shore  build  for  themselves  the  most  miserable  hovels  that 
can  be  imagined,  and  all  the  houses  are  so  covered  with  grass  and  dampness 
that  I  wonder  how  they  can  continue  to  exist."—/?.  H.  Major' i  "  StUet 
Lttttrs,"  p.  sit. 


FORT. 


DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  GARRISON. 


195 


following  morn- 
ong  the  ruins  and 
aken  utensils  and 
i  and  weeds.     Ar- 
e  fleet,  thundered 
ly  of  the  garrison 
leighborhood,  but 
explored  the  site 
id    only    charred 
the  officers  of  La 
y  might  have,  or 
iden  danger,  they 
led  out  the  ditch 
bund.     While  all 
3k  the  boats  along 
rch  and  partly  to 
it.      About   three 
evidently  had  been 
■almost  overgrown 
ss  and  weeds  for  a 
iy  searched.    Here 
ie    anchor  of  the 
Lsh  robe  carefully 
.     Meanwhile,  not 
len  dug  out  here 
s,    eleven    bodies, 
*hese  they  gave  a 


"  These  people  are  %o 
fitting  place  to  live ;  those 
ost  miserable  hovels  that 
with  grass  and  dampness 
'—R.  H.  Major's  "  Stleet 


By  and  by  they  succeeded  in  gaining  the  confidence 
of  a  few  natives,  and  the  Lacayan  interpreter  drew 
enough  out  of  them  so  that  a  pretty  clean  thread  of 
narrative  of  the  events  sought  after  was  traced.     At 
the  departure  of  Columbus,  all  his  good  instructions 
had  been  disregarded  by  the  men  under  Arana.     They 
coveted  the  gold  ornaments  and  other  items  of  value 
among  the  natives,  and  resorted  to  violence  in  order  to 
obtain  them.     Thej'^  quarrelled  with  one  another,  and 
the  under  officers  had  rebelled  against  Arana.     Not- 
withstanding Guacanagari's  indulgence  of  two  or  more 
wives  to  a  man,  they  had  outraged    the  wives  and 
daughters  of  the  Indians.      They  had  roamed  at  will 
about  the  island,  as  if  in   perfect  safety.       The   two 
lieutenants,  Gutierrez  and  Escobado,  not  being  able  to 
rule  over  Arana,  had  seceded  with  nine  adherents  and 
gone  away  into  Cibao  after  gold.     Here,  Caonabo,  the 
Carib   adventurer  who   had   become    cacique    of    the 
mountain  regions,  and  was  called  "  Lord  of  the  Golden 
House,"  soon  put  them  to  death.      He  had  watched 
the  intruders  with  a  jealous  eye  from  his  mountain 
fastness,  and  now  improved  his  opportunity.     Form- 
ing an  alliance  with  a  neighboring  chief,  he  stole  the 
march  upon  Guacanagari  and  La  Navidad  while  the 
latter    contained  but  ten  men  and  they  fast  asleep. 
He  completely  sacked  the  fortress  and  the  entire  neigh- 
borhood, wounding  the   cacique  with  his  own  hand. 
Not  only  those  of  the  garrison  who  were  within  the 
stockade,  but  all  the  Spaniards  quartered  among  the 
Indians  in  the  vicinity,  were  sought  out  and  put  to 
death.     A  few  who  tried  to  escape  by  taking  to  the 
sea  were  drowned. 


11 


196 


CHARACTER  OF  THE  GARRISON. 


Such  is  the  first  chapter  in  the  history  of  civilized 
life  in  the  New  World.  Herrera  says  that  the  men 
left  at  La  Navidad  by  Columbus  were  mostly  of  the 
baser  sort,  crude  in  mind  and  low  in  morals.  If  so — 
and  their  conduct  sustains  this  view — was  not  the  new 
colony  at  Hayti  about  as  well  off  without  them  ? 


i. 


PRISON. 


itory  of  civilized 
s  that  the  men 
-e  mostly  of  the 
iiorals.  If  so — 
•was  not  the  new 
tout  them  ? 


CHAPTER  XI. 


THE   NEW   ENTERPRISEvS. 


AVING  become  clearly  informed  as  to  the  sad 
fate  of  La  Navidad,  the  location  of  the  new 

1  colony  claimed  immediate  attention.  The 
site  of  the  fortress  was  abandoned  not  only  because  of 
its  painful  associations,  but  on  account  of  the  un- 
healthfulness  of  the  low,  damp  country  around  it  and 
because  there  was  no  stone  or  lime  for  building.  A 
caravel  was  sent  out  in  one  direction,  therefore,  while 
the  Admiral,  with  a  small  party,  went  out  in  another, 
in  order  to  reconnoitre.  When  both  parties  returned,  at 
night,  the  former  related  a  very  interesting  diversion. 
While  they  were  sailing  along  the  shore  a  canoe  with 
two  natives  came  out  to  meet  them.  One  of  them  was 
a  brother  of  Guacanagari.  So  said  a  pilot  on  board, 
who  had  been  on  the  former  voyage.  The  chieftain 
was  residing  scarcely  three  leagues  away,  with  fifty 
families  around  him  ;  and,  as  he  was  suflFering  from 
his  wound,  he  wished  the  Admiral  to  come  and  see  him. 
Dr.  Chanca  says,  "  The  chief  men  of  the  party  then 
went  on  shore  in  the  boat,  and,  proceeding  to  the  place 
where  Guacanagari  was,  found  him  stretched  on  his 
bed,  complaining  of  a  severe  wound.  They  conferred 
with  him  and  inquired  respecting  the  Spaniards  ;  his 
reply  was  in  accordance  with  the  account  already 
given  by  the  other,  viz.,  that  they  had  been  killed  by 


iijiiMaw«tiiii»ffi''-arM<»iwrTtvp-^W'.'"'v^'''***^*'°'''*^^  ■ 


198 


MILITA  R  r  DISPLA  Y. 


i 


I 


i 


I 

ti 
li 


Caonabo  and  Mayreni,  who  also  had  wounded  him  in 
the  thijjfh.  In  confirmation  of  his  assertion  he  showed 
them  the  limb,  bound  up,  on  seeing  which  they  con- 
cluded that  his  statement  was  correct.  At  their 
departure  he  gave  to  each  of  them  a  jewel  of  gold, 
according  to  his  estimate  of  their  respective  merits. 
The  Indians  beat  the  gold  into  very  thin  plates,  in 
order  to  make  masl  s  of  it,  and  set  it  in  a  cement  which 
they  make  for  that  purpose.  Other  ornaments  they 
make  of  it  to  wear  on  the  head  and  to  hang  in  the  ears 
and  nostrils,  and  for  these  also  they  require  it  to  be 
thin.  It  is  not  the  costliness  of  the  gold  that  they 
value  in  their  ornaments,  but  its  showy  appearance." 

The  next  day  Columbus  prepared  to  visit  the  cacique, 
whose  brother  called  on  him  and  again  urged  him  to 
come  before  he  could  get  under  way.  It  would  be  well 
to  make  as  great  an  impression  as  possible  of  the 
power  and  magnificence  of  the  Spaniards.  The  Ad- 
miral and  his  train  of  a  hundred  of  his  best  men  were 
arrayed  in  the  most  imposing  style,  their  glittering 
armor  and  rich  attire  producing  a  most  unwonted  effect 
in  this  new  world  of  simple  ways.  "  With  pipers  and 
drummers  arranged  in  order,  and  line  of  battle  formed, 
they  march  to  the  residence  of  the  cacique."  The 
chief  was  still  reclining  in  his  cotton  hammock,  sur- 
rounded by  his  wives  and  his  faithful  subjects.  Again 
he  related  the  tragedy  of  the  garrison,  shedding  tears 
most  freely  and  assuring  his  listeners  of  the  perilous 
part  he  had  taken  in  their  defence.  Here,  too,  were  the 
proofs  as  he  pointed  them  out — scars  on  the  bodies  of 
his  people,  evidently  made  by  Indian  weapons. 

But   this   generous   cacique   would  not  be  himself 


m 


EXCHANGE  OF  PRESENTS. 


199 


wounded  him  in 
ertion  he  showed 
which  they  con- 
•rect.      At   their 
a  jewel  of  gold, 
sspcctive  merits, 
y  thin   plates,  in 
1  a  cement  which 
ornaments  they 
hang  in  the  ears 
>'  require  it  to  be 
;  gold  that  they 
>wy  appearance." 
visit  the  cacique, 
lin  urged  him  to 
It  would  be  well 
possible  of  the 
liards.     The  Ad- 
ds best  men  were 
:,  their  glittering 
5t  unwonted  effect 
'  With  pipers  and 
of  battle  formed, 
;  cacique."     The 
n  hammock,  sur- 
subjects.     Again 
ti,  shedding  tears 
rs  of  the  perilous 
[ere,  too,  were  the 
;  on  the  bodies  of 
weapons, 
i  not  be  himself 


without  presents  ;  so  he  gives  six  hundred  or  upwards 
of  precious  stones  and  jewels  of  various  colors,  a  cap 


MANNEK    OK    NUKSINU    TUB    SICK 


elaborately  ornamented  with  jewels  and  ^.,  .  ining  one 
of  special  fine  effect  and  value,  a  hundred  gold  beads, 
a  gold  coronet,  and  two  calabashes  filled  with  the  precious 
dust — the  gold,  in  all,  being  equal  to  eight  marks  and 
a  half.  What  in  return  ?  Glass  beads  and  hawk's 
bells,  of  course ;  also  knives,  needles,  pins,  small 
mirrors  and  various  gew-gaws  of  copper — the  latter  far 
more  valuable  than  gold  in  the  eyes  of  the  natives. 
Some  say  that  Columbus  also  decorated  the  chief  with 
his  own  inner  vest  or  doublet,  magnificently  embroid- 
ered and  variegated  with  the  most  brilliant  colors,  in 
Moorish  style. 

But  the  Admiral  wished  to  see  Guacanagari's 
wound,  his  surgeon  and  Dr.  Chanca — both  present — 
being    skilful  in  the  treatment  of  such  cases.     The 


.^M^^gi^^l^gj^li^l^l^^faEEUtiBEAn^^ktii^MaMSSdriHi^^ 


.4»y^^^aw^]^JjlBrt*^'^'^IBfi^ig<^b^-aa**fei^'^*f^^ 


I 

i 

r 


ll 


t'i. 


I'-'. 


200  G  UH.  TV  OR  so  T  G  UIL  TY  f 

chief   consented.     As  the  crowd  of   people  darkened 
the  wigwam,  the  doctor  proposed  to  go  out  into  the 
light,  which  was  accorded  by  the  chieftain,  leaning  on 
the  arm  of  the  Admiral.     When  the  former  was  seated 
and   the    surgeon    began    to   untie   the   bandage,  the 
cacique  said  the  wound  was  made  by  a  stone.     "  It  is 
certain,"  says  the  doctor  "  that  there  was  no  more  wound 
on  that  leg  than  on  the  other  ;"  but  it  seemed  sore  to 
the  touch.     As  nearly  two  months  had  elapsed  since 
the  disaster,  the  bruise  may  have  disappeared  exter- 
nally, while  the  deeper  effect  of  the  rough  missile  at 
least    partially   remained.     Some    of    those     present 
could  see  nothing  but  a  hoax   in  the  whole  matter. 
The  cacique  was  feigning  all  this  in  order  to  conceal 
the    guilty    part    he    had     taken    in    the    massacre. 
Father  Buil,  the  Benedictine  monk,  especially,  could 
afford    no    charity  whatever.     The    Admiral    should 
make  an  example  of  the  perfidious  wretch  at   once. 
But  Columbus  had  seen  too  much  of  the  kindness  of 
this  great-hearted  man  to  doubt  him  now,  unless  there 
was  clear  and  unmistakable  evidence  against  him.     He 
would  therefore  suspend  judgment  until  further  dis- 
closures.    It  would  be  soon  enough  to  claim  indemni- 
fication when  a  guilty  complicity  in  the  massacre  was 
certain.     No ;  the  Admiral  will  be  cordial.    Calling  his 
interpreter,  he  explains  the  object  of  his  voyage.     He 
visits   these   distant   parts    in   order   to  improve   the 
inhabitants,  making  them  kind  to  each  other  by  teach- 
ing them  what  is  good.     He  will  lead  them  to  give  up 
all  bad  practices,  that  they  may  be  under  the  protec- 
tion of  the  Spanish  monarchs,  the  best  and  most  pow- 
erful rulers  in  the  world.    And  to  Guacanagari,  his  inti- 


% 
i 


.»aw«3(«laafV*(fl*HM»«*«WKWB«^^ 


LTTf 

people  darkened 

0  jjo  out  into  the 
icftain,  leaning  on 

former  was  seated 
the  bandage,  the 
)y  a  stone.  "  It  is 
vas  no  more  wound 
t  it  seemed  sore  to 
had  elapsed  since 
disappeared  exter- 
:  rough  missile  at 
of  those  present 
the  whole  matter. 
II  order  to  conceal 
in  the  massacre. 
Ic,  especially,  could 
Admiral  should 
IS  wretch  at  once, 
of  the  kindness  of 

1  now,  unless  there 
e  against  him.     He 

until  further  dis- 
i  to  claim  inderani- 
1  the  massacre  was 
ordial.  Calling  his 
)f  his  voyage.  He 
er  to  improve  the 
jach  other  by  teach- 
ad  them  to  give  up 
:  under  the  protec- 
best  and  most  pow- 
uacanagari,  his  inti- 


GUACANAGAli/'S  ASTON/SJ/AfENT.         201 

mate  friend  and  ally,  he  will  grant  sperial  protection. 
These  words  brought  the  chieftain  '->  his  ft'tt.  Stamp- 
ing on  the  ground  and  raising  his  c\  os  to  heaven,  he 
gave  a  loud  shout,  to  which  the  six  huiuired  Indians 
around  him  responded  in  a  "  tremcndcms  acclamation." 
At  this  the  one  hundred  {Spaniards  in  light  armor  were 
so  startled  that  they  involuntarily  grasped  the  hilts  of 
their  swords,  thinking  that  a  battle  with  these  savages 
might  be  just  at  hand. 

Columbus  invited  Guacanagari  to  his  ship  that  same 
night,  and,  though  he  still  seemed  to  be  suffering  from 
his  wound,  he  ventured  to  gratify  his  curiosity.  If 
the  two  small  caravels  of  the  previous  year's  visit  had 
surprised  him,  what  must  have  been  his  astonishment 
on  beholding  this  fleet  of  seventeen  sail  riding  at 
anchor  in  the  harbor.  As  he  approached  he  was 
startled  by  the  roll  of  drums,  the  striking  of  cymbals, 
and  the  lightning  and  thunder  of  cannon.  On  board- 
ing the  Admiral's  ship  he  saw  the  Carib  prisoners, 
who  belonged  to  the  cannibals  of  Buriquen.  Peter 
Martyr  thinks  he  shuddered  at  the  sight  of  them  even 
in  chains. 

It  must  have  been  no  small  pleasure  to  the  Admiral 
to  escort  his  savage  friend,  so  full  of  curiosity,  through 
the  different  ships,  and  witness  his  amazement  on  see- 
ing the  different  parts  of  their  structure,  also  the  plants 
and  fruits  of  the  Old  World,  but  more  especially  the 
animals — cattle  sheep,  swine — and  the  horses  ! — wliat 
magnitude,  grace,  and  strength,  and  yet  what  submissive 
docility,  they  showed.  Whether  the  fleet  horse  for  the 
race-course  or  the  strong  one  for  armor,  their  fine  con- 
dition, highly  polished  harnesses,  and  gay  trappings 


-^^^^m^jiSsmfii^ssK^ 


lTlrf1^^^MW°^^|^|T■^w~^1nlT^il^f^llP^^-T'^'' — ^-r 


tiS^^i:^^!»S?K^^iu:irjA^'^i^^lS^-iiii^^^Z;^Sir^i^^^-^^: 


202 


GODS  OR  DE  VILS  ? 


gave  them  a  grand  aspect.  Then  did  not  the  Indians 
suspect  that  these  strange  animals  lived  on  human 
flesh? 

With   this  wonderful  varietj'  of  useful  creatures,  our 
domestic  animals,  the  cacique  had  nothing  to  compare 
but  the  small  coney-like  u//a  and  a  limited  variety  of 
dumb  dogs.     Over  against  the  domestic  fowls  the  chief 
might  place  the  tame  parrots,  and  possibly  some  kind 
of  geese  or  ducks  ;  but  it  is  doubtful  if  he  had  ever  seen 
the  hen  which  lays  the  golden  egg.     Imagine  the  ele- 
vation of  mind  which  this  chieftain  must  now  have  ex- 
perienced, believing,  as  he  did,  that  all  these  wonderful 
things — ships,  animals,  and  men — had  just  come  from 
heaven !     "  The  Europeans  had  no  sooner  entered  on 
this  vast  continent  and  the  islands  about  it,"  says  Las 
Casas,  "but  the  natives  showed  them  all  imaginable 
kindness  and  respect,  and  were  ready  to  worship  them 
as  gods;  but  these  soon  took  care  to  convince  them  of 
their  error,  and  to  deliver  them  from  the  danger  of  fall- 
ing into  this  sort  of  idolatry,  by  treating  them  with  all 
manner  of  cruelties  and  tormenting  them  like  so  many 
devils  ;  so  that  these  barbarous  people  received  as  great 
a  turn  in  their  thoughts  concerning  the  Spaniards  as 
the  barbarians  of  the  island  of  Mileta  did  in  respect  of 
St.  Paul ;  for  as  these  believed  him  to  be  a  god  whom 
they  had  just  before  taken  for  a  murderer,  so  the  other 
really  found  them  to  be  murderers  whom  they  had  a 
little  before  esteemed  as  so  many  gods.''     But  more 
light  on  this  by  and  by. 

The  cacique  now  descends  from  heavenly  things  to 
those  which  are  more  earthly.  The  ten  captive  women 
taken  from  the  Caribs  appeal  to  his  amorous  tempera- 


■'^•m!an»vi»tmiiim''i»»itiim>gamemimMt*-. 


■"iv^s^msme:-- 


yiLSf 


ALIENATION. 


203 


en  did  not  the  Indians 
nals  lived  on   human 

if  useful  creatures,  our 
.d  nothing  to  compare 
nd  a  limited  variety  of 
Dmestic  fowls  the  chief 
nd  possibly  some  kind 
tful  if  he  had  ever  seen 
Q^g.     Imagine  the  ele- 
ain  must  now  have  ex- 
hat  all  these  wonderful 
1 — had  just  come  from 
I  no  sooner  entered  on 
nds  about  it,"  says  Las 
i  them  all  imaginable 
ready  to  worship  them 
ire  to  convince  them  of 
from  the  danger  of  fall- 
treating  them  with  all 
ing  them  like  so  many 
people  received  as  great 
irning  the  Spaniards  as 
Vlileta  did  in  respect  of 
him  to  be  a  god  whom 
murderer,  so  the  other 
erers  whom  they  had  a 
any  gods.''     But  more 

■om  heavenly  things  to 
The  ten  captive  women 
0  his  amorous  tempera- 


ment. Though  his  dialect  is  somewhat  different  from 
theirs,  they  can  readily  understand  each  other.  How 
tenderly  he  communes  with  that  tall,  stately  beauty, 
whom  the  Spaniards,  in  admiration,  have  named  Cat- 
alina.  For,  though  escaped  from  the  dreaded  Caribs,  is 
she  not  still  a  captive  ? 

Now  the  Admiral  and  the  chieftain  dine  together. 
Surely  in  this  cordial  act  of  hospitality,  if  in  any  way, 
old  confidence  and  friendships  may  be  revived.  The 
Admiral  talks  of  coming  to  live  with  the  cacique,  of 
building  houses  in  the  neighborhood,  etc.,  etc.  The 
cacique  is  pleased  with  the  plan,  but  is  not  the  place 
very  low  and  damp  and  decidedly  unhealthy  ?  Alas  ! 
no  demonstration  of  cordiality  can  restore  the  ease  and 
delightful  charm  of  the  former  intercourse.  Were  these 
indeed  heavenly  visitors  ?  What  about  that  covetous, 
quarrelling,  licentious  garrison  just  laid  among  the 
dead  ?  Loss  of  confidence — alienation — how  destruc- 
tive, how  demoniacal  the  influence !  Even  the  symbols 
of  the  Christian  faith,  to  which  these  natives  seemed 
readily  inclined,  have  become  objects  of  suspicion.  The 
chief  is  not  at  all  pleased  to  have  that  image  of  the 
Virgin  hung  about  his  neck  by  the  Admiral ! 

Meanwhile,  not  a  few  of  these  gallant  men  and  high 
dignitaries  among  the  Spaniards  were  regarding 
Guacanagari  with  an  evil  eye.  Father  Buil  especially 
was  not  particularly  under  the  influence  of  that  charity 
which  "  hopeth  all  things  "  and  which  *'  thinketh  no 
evil."  Speaking  to  the  Admiral  a  little  aside,  he  sug- 
gested the  propriety  of  detaining  the  cacique  as  a  prisoner 
now  that  he  was  on  board  ship.  But  such  treacherous- 
ness  and  bad  faith  found  no  response  from  Columbus. 


:  i-iJ**-l#>1«W?fc.t.W«»S.1Sf  >l  ^ 


«>.^W.«t5SjsA'«*W^)iBWi<*»««ja.i3«if  J£.QaftJ/ia«r^        -. 


204 


SEA-NYMPHS. 


The  face  mirrors  the  soul  even  to  the  eye  of  a  savage. 
Guacanagari  felt  ill  at  home  amidst  such  obvious  feel- 
ings of  mistrust  and  suspicion,  and  soon  begged  leave 

to  depart. 

The  next  day  there  occurred  that  obscure  and  double 

line  of  movement  which  generally  follows  the  loss  of 

good   faith    even  among  those  who    are  civilized.     A 

messenger  came  from  the  cacique  to  inquire  when  the 

Admiral  would  leave.     The  next  day,  was  the  reply. 

Then  came  a  brother  of  the  chieftain,  along  with  others, 

ostensibly  to  barter  gold  ;  but  he  seemed  quite  as  much 

interested  in  conversing  with  the  captive  women  as  in 

trade.     Catalina  especially  attracted  his  attention.     By 

and  by  he  left.     About  midnight  a  light  appeared  on 

the  shore.     All   were  now  sleeping  soundly  except  a 

single  watch,  and  so  stealthily  did  the  Indian  women 

let  themselves  down    the  side  of  the  ship  that  they 

were  able  to  get  away  before  the  alarm  could  be  given. 

Like   so    many  sea-nymphs,  they  struck  out  for  the 

shore ;  and,  though  the  sea  was  rough,  they  made  the 

full  three  miles  to  land  before  they  could  be  overtaken. 

Pursuing  in  the  direction  of  the  beacon-light,  the  men 

captured  four  of  the  fugitives  ;  the  rest,  including  the 

stately  Catalina,  made  good  their  escape. 

The  next  morning  the  Admiral  sent  to  Guacanagari, 
asking  him  to  cause  search  to  be  made  for  the  fugi- 
tives, and,  in  case  they  could  be  found,  to  send  them 
back  to  the  ships.  But  lo !  when  they  arrived,  "  not  a 
soul"  could  be  found.  There  had  been  a  complete 
removal  of  the  village.  The  chieftain  and  his  island 
beauty  were  probably  their  taking  "  honeymoon  "  in  the 
mountains.     This  was  only  one  more  item  to  feed  the 


A    WOUNDED  NATIVE. 


205 


le  eye  of  a  savage, 
such  obvious  feel- 
soon  begged  leave 

obscure  and  double 
follows  the  loss  of 

are  civilized.  A 
3  inquire  when  the 
ay,  was  the  reply. 
,  along  with  others, 
med  quite  as  much 
iptive  women  as  in 
his  attention.  By 
light  appeared  on 

soundly  except  a 
the  Indian  women 
the  ship  that  they 
rm  could  be  given, 
struck  out  for  the 
igh,  they  made  the 
could  be  overtaken, 
icon-light,  the  men 
rest,  including  the 
cape. 

:nt  to  Guacanagari, 
nade  for  the  fugi- 
)und,  to  send  them 
hey  arrived,  *'  not  a 
i  been  a  complete 
ftain  and  his  island 
honeymoon  "  in  the 
are  item  to  feed  the 


suspicion  of  Father  Buil  and  his  colleagues.  Scarcely 
anything  was  now  too  bad  to  be  believed  of  the  kind- 
hearted  chief.  But  Columbus  still  held  to  his  good 
opinion  of  him. 

"  On  the  next  morning,"  says  Dr.  Chanca,  "  the  Ad- 
miral resolved  that,  as  the  wind  was  adverse,  it  would 
be  well  to  go  with  the  boats  to  inspect  a  harbor  on  the 
coast  at  two  leagues  distance  farther  up,^  to  see  if  the 
formation  of  the  land  was  favorable  for  a  settlement, 
and  we  went  thither  with  all  the  ships'  boats,  leaving 
the  ships  in  the  harbor.     As  we  moved  along  the  coast 
the  people  manifested  a  sense  of  insecurity,  and  when 
we  reached  the  spot  to  which  we  were  bound  all  the 
natives  had  fled.     While  we  were  walking  about  this 
place  we  found  an   Indian  stretched  on  the  hill-side, 
close   by   the   houses,   with   a   gaping   wound   in  his 
shoulder,  caused  by  a  dart,  so  that  he  had  been  disabled 
from  fleeing  any  further.     The  natives  of  this  island 
fight   with   sharp   darts,  which   they  discharge   from 
cross-bows  in  the  same  manner  as  boys  in  Spain  shoot 
their  small  arrows,  and  which  they   send   with   con- 
siderable skill  to  a  great  distance  ;  and  certainly  upon 
an  unarmed  people  these  weapons  are  calculated  to  do 
serious  injury.     The  man  told  us  that  Caonabo  and  his 
people  had  wounded  him  and  burnt  the  houses  of  Gua- 
canagari." 

It  is  strange  that  the  Spaniards  should  have  con- 
tinued in  uncertainty  as  to  the  course  and  manner  of 
the  death  of  the  garrison  when  so  many  diflferent  par- 
ties testified  essentially  to  the  same  thing. 

Melchor  Maldonado  had  been  in  the  opposite  direc- 

•  Port  Dauphin. 


2o6 


LANDING  THE  COLONY. 


Us 


tion,  to  the  eastward,  and,  coming  into  the  dominions 
of  another  caciqne,  who  at  first  threatened  him,  at  the 
head  of  his  warriors,  bnt  was  soon  conciliated,  learned 
that  Guacanagari  had  indeed  gone  to  the  mountains. 

All  this  exploring  had  simply  convinced  Columbus 
that  the  low,  damp  country  along  the  coast  would  be 
too  unhealthy  for  his  colony,  and  that  the  absence  of 
stone  would  be  a  serious  hindrance  to  building.  But 
there  was  pressing  need  of  an  immediate  landing. 
The  people  were  weary  of  the  ships,  and  the  long  con- 
finement was  telling  heavily  on  the  domestic  animals. 
Columbus  determined,  therefore,  to  go  some  distance 
to  the  eastward,  especially  since  he  "  had  tidings  of 
gold  in  that  direction."  On  the  7th  of  December  the 
fleet  weighed  anchor.  "  But  the  weather  was  so  ad- 
verse," says  Dr.  Chauca,  '*  that  it  cost  more  labor  to 
sail  thirty  leagues  in  a  backward  direction  than  the 
whole  voyage  from  Spain,  so  that,  what  with  the  con- 
trary wind  and  the  length  of  the  passage,  three  months 
had  elapsed  before  we  set  foot  on  land.  It  pleased 
God,  however,  that  through  the  check  upon  our 
progress  caused  by  contrary  winds  we  succeeded  in 
finding  the  best  and  most  suitable  spot  that  we  could 
have  selected  for  a  settlement,  .where  there  was  an 
excellent  harbor^  and  abundance  of  fish,  an  article  of 
which  we  stood  in  gjeat  need  from  scarcity  of  meat. 

'*  The  land  is  very  rich  for  all  purposes.  Near  the 
harbor  there  are  two  rivers  ;  one  large,  and  another,  of 
moderate  breadth,  somewhat  near  it.  The  water  is 
of  a  very  remarkable  quality.  On  the  bank  of  it  is 
being  built  a  city,  called  Marta  (Isabella),  one  side  of 

^  Port  Isabella,  ten  n;iles  east  of  Monte  Christi. 


oNi: 


THE  NATIVES  BRING  FOOD. 


207 


into  the  dominions 
eatened  him,  at  the 
conciliated,  learned 
;o  the  mountains, 
nvinced  Columbus 
the  coast  would  be 
that  the  absence  of 

to  building.  But 
mmediate  landing. 
J,  and  the  long  con- 
t  domf,stic  animals. 
)  go  some  distance 
le  "  had  tidings  of 
th  of  December  the 
weather  was  so  ad- 
:  cost  more  labor  to 
I  direction  than  the 

what  with  the  con- 
ssage,  three  months 
I  land.  It  pleased 
check  upon  our 
is  we  succeeded  in 
;  spot  that  we  could 
here  there  was  an 
of  fish,  an  article  of 
scarcity  of  meat. 
)urposes.  Near  the 
rge,  and  another,  of 

it.  The  water  is 
1  the  bank  of  it  is 
sabella),  one  side  of 

[onte  Christ!. 


which  is  bounded  by  the  water,  with  a  ravine  of  cleft 
rock,  so  that  at  that  part  there  is  no  need  of  fortifica- 
tion ;  the  other  half  is  girt  with  a  plantation  of  trees, 
so  thick  that  a  rabbit  could  scarcely  pass  through  it, 
and  so  green  that  fire  will  never  be  able  to  burn  it.  A 
channel  has  been  commenced  for  a  branch  of  the  river, 
which  the  managers  say  they  will  lead  through  the 
middle  of  the  settlement,  and  will  place  on  it  mills  of 
all  kinds  requiring  to  be  worked  by  water.  Great 
quantities  of  vegetables  have  been  planted,  which  cer- 
tainly attain  a  more  luxuriant  growth  here  in  eight 
days  than  they  would  in  Spain  in  twenty.  We  were 
frequently  visited  by  numbers  of  Indians,  among 
whom  were  some  of  their  caciques,  or  chiefs,  and  many 
women.  They  all  came  loaded  with  agis^^  a  sort  of 
turnip,  very  excellent  for  food,  which  we  dressed  in 
various  ways.  This  food  was  so  nutritious  as  to  prove 
a  great  support  to  all  of  us,  after  the  privations  we  en- 
dured when  at  sea,  which  in  truth  were  more  severe 
than  ever  were  suffered  by  man,  and  as  we  could  not 
tell  what  weather  it  would  please  God  to  send  us  on 
our  voyage,  we  were  obliged  to  limit  ourselves  most 
rigorously  with  regard  to  food,  in  order  that,  at  all 
events,  we  might  at  least  have  the  means  of  supplying 
life. 

"The  Indians  barter  gold,  provisions,  and  every- 
thing they  bring  with  them  for  tags  of  lace,  beads  and 
pins,  and  pieces  of  porringers  and  dishes.  They  all, 
as  I  have  said,  go  naked  as  they  were  bom,  except  the 
women  of  this  island,  who,  some  of  them,  wear  a  cover- 
ing of  cotton,  which  they  bind  around  their  hips,  while 


2o8 


THE  LANDING. 


others  use  grass  and  leaves  of  trees.  When  they  wish 
to  appear  full  dressed,  both  men  and  women  paint 
themselves,  some  black,  others  white  and  various 
colors,  in  so  many  devices  that  the  effect  is  very 
laughable ;  they  shave  some  parts  of  their  heads,  and 
in  others  wear  long  tufts  of  matted  hair,  which  have 
an  indescribably  ridiculous  appearance ;  in  short, 
whatever  would  be  looked  upon  in  our  country  as 
characteristic  of  a  madman  is  here  regarded  by  the 
highest  of  the  Indians  as  a  mark  of  distinction." 

The  site  of  the  first  Christian  city  in  the  New  World 
being  thus  determined,  the  'disembarkation  began. 
Imagine  the  busy,  bustling  scene,  as  some  1,500  people, 
pent  upon  shipboard  for  about  three  months,  crowd 
the  gangways  out  onto  this  delightsome  spot  of  green 
earth.  The  common  laborer,  the  skilled  artisan,  the 
cavalier,  the  prier^tt— all  classes  of  the  active  kingdom 
of  Spain  in  that  day  were  here  rejoicing  in  the  free- 
dom and  the  charming  novelty  of  the  hour.  Not  less 
interesting  must  it  have  been  to  witness  the  happy 
liberation  of  the  domestic  animals,  which  had  suffered 
so  severely  from  the  long  and  unwonted  confinement. 
We  imagine  they  must  have  looked  somewhat  lean  and 
gaunt.  The  dark  holes  in  ships  for  so  long  a  time 
could  not  have  furnished  the  conditions  fpr  a  very 
thrifty  appearance. 

But  what  a  houseless,  homeless  state  of  things! 
Ah !  it  is  not  all  romance  for  such  numbers  of  men  and 
beasts  to  be  dumped  out  into  a  wilderness,  without 
proper  enclosures  for  the  latter  or  convenient  shelter 
for  the  former.  Let  not  these  gay  cavaliers  be  too  much 
allured  by  tie  exuberance  of  tropical  verdure  around 


THE  NE  W  TO  WN. 


209 


When  they  wish 
and  women  paint 
hite    and   various 
:he   effect   is   very 
)f  their  heads,  and 
hair,  which  have 
irance ;    in    short, 
n  our  country  as 
;  regarded  by  the 
distinction." 
'  in  the  New  World 
ibarkation    began. 
,  some  1, 5CX) people, 
ree  months,  crowd 
some  spot  of  green 
skilled  artisan,  the 
he  active  kingdom 
Dicing  in  the  free- 
;he  hour.     Not  less 
witness  the  happy 
which  had  suffered 
onted  confinement, 
somewhat  lean  and 
for  so  long  a  time 
iditions   for  a  very 

s  state  of  things! 
lumbers  of  men  and 
•vildemess,  without 
convenient  shelter 
ivaliers  be  too  much 
:al  verdure  around 


them,  by  the  mingling  of  fruit  and  flowers  and  the 
nesting  and  singing  of  birds  in  mid-winter.  The 
bright  stars  above  this  torrid  zone  will  look  down  upon  a 
land  reeking  with  miasmas  and  fevers. 

For  some  time  to  come  this  glassy  sheet  of  water 
constituting  the  broad  harbor  will  mirror  an  active 
scene.  Long  confinement  has  made  every  one  alert 
for  the  greatest  activity.  Engineers  project  the  pub- 
lic square  and  the  streets,  and  masons  and  carpenters 
make  the  atmosphere  resound  to  their  enterprises. 
Farmers  and  gardeners  begin  to  break  the  soil  for 
orchards  and  all  kinds  of  husbandry,  and  a  general 
enthusiasm  prevails.  The  walls  of  the  church,  the 
public  storehouse,  and  the  Admiral's  residence  are  ris- 
ing— all  of  stone,  and  a  whole  town  of  cheap,  tempo- 
rary residences  of  wood,  plaster,  coarse  reeds,  etc., 
come  up  almost  as  quickly  as  Jonah's  gourd.  Mere 
extemporized  tenements  will  do  for  the  present ;  more 
solid  structures  can  replace  them  by  and  by.  But  if 
those  more  solid  structures  were  ever  reared,  they 
have  long  since  disappeared,  for  the  ruins  of  the 
church,  storehouse,  and  Admiral's  residence  are  all 
that  remains  of  the  long-since  abandoned  city  of  Isa- 
bella. 

The  stem  realities  of  pioneer  life  in  an  untried 
climate  soon  became  apparent.  Long  confinement, 
sea-sickness,  spoilt  meat,  aijd  mouldy  bread  were  a 
poor  preparation  for  the  exposures  of  a  life,  without 
houses,  amidst  the  moisture  and  exhalations  of  dense 
forests,  lowlands,  and  slow-moving  rivers,  in  a  tropical 
climate.  Exhaustive  labor  on  the  part  of  those  unac- 
customed to  it  and  used  only  to  recreations  in  an  old 


2IO 


THE  DISAPPOINTMENT. 


and   highly  cultivated   country    soon    produced    the 
most  depressing  effects. 

"  The  maladies  of  the  mind  mingled  with  those  of 
the  body."  The  severest  disappointment — than  which 
nothing  is  more  depressing — was  the  inevitable  conse- 
quence of  that  delusion  which  possessed  every  mind 
in  respect  to  this  newly  discovered  country.  The 
gallant  soldier  fresh  from  the  Moorish  wars,  and  antici- 
pating rich  conquests  in  the  incomparably  wealthy 
territories  of  the  Grand  Khan,  found  himself  in  a 
"  forest  primeval,"  swarming  with  naked  savages  of 
the  most  timid  character.  Nowhere  was  there  a  foe 
"  worthy  of  his  steel."*  The  speculator,  who  had  laid 
in  his  stock  for  trade  in  the  land  of  gold  and  spices, 
experienced  a  dull  and  unprofitable  routine  in  dicker- 
ing with  destitute  savages,  giving  beads,  hawk's  bells, 
and  gew-gaws  generally  for  crude  cotton  yarn,  par- 
rots, and  occasional  bits  of  gold.  The  idle  and  indefi- 
nite adventurer  found  himself  absolutely  without  an 
All  classes  of  laborers  and  artisans  were  obliged 


aim. 


to  take  things  in  the  rough  and  to  '*  rough  it "  in  the 
most  literal  sense.  "  One-third  of  our  people  have 
fallen  sick  within  the  last  four  or  five  days,"  says  Dr. 
Chanca.  This  statement  discloses  something  of  the 
kind  of  hospital  which  this  new  city  of  Isabella  must 
have  been  turned  into  in  a  short  time.  The  Admiral 
himself,  overcome  by  the  exertion,  anxiety,  and 
immense  sense  of  responsibility  incident  to  his  situa- 


i"The  weapons  they  used,"  says  Las  Casas,  "  were  neither  capable  of 
defending  them,  nor  of  offending  their  enemies  to  any  purpose,  and  were 
more  like  those  that  children  use  to  play  with  than  such  as  are  fit  for  soldiers 
to  use  in  war." 


r? 


NT. 

\    produced    the 

led  with  those  of 
lent — than  which 

inevitable  conse- 
ssed  every  mind 
i   country.     The 

wars,  and  antici- 
iparably  wealthy 
id  himself  in  a 
laked  savages  of 

was  there  a  foe 
tor,  who  had  laid 
gold  and  spices, 
outine  in  dicker- 
ads,  hawk's  bells, 
;otton  yarn,  par- 
e  idle  and  indefi- 
utely  without  an 
ians  were  obliged 
'  rough  it "  in  the 
our  people  have 
e  days,"  says  Dr. 
something  of  the 

of  Isabella  must 
e.  The  Admiral 
m,  anxiety,  and 
dent  to  his  situa- 

'  were  neither  capable  of 
any  purpose,  and  were 
iuch  as  are  fit  for  soldiers 


THE  DISAPPOINTMENT, 


211 


tion,  became  prostrate,  and  could  only  give  occasional 
attention  to  the  arduous  and  critical  enterprises  of  the 
hour. 

The  problems  now  confronting  Columbus  were  the 
most  difficult  possible.  The  first  and  most  pressing 
necessity  was  the  relief  of  his  colony.  From  the  out- 
set the  store  of  provisions  laid  in  had  been  inadequate 
to  the  number  of  people;  and  as  the  wines  were  put 
into  poor  casks,  much  of  it  was  lost ;  the  beef  and  pork 
were  not  such  as  they  should  have  been,  and  the 
horses  accepted  for  the  use  of  the  colony  seem  after- 
wards to  have  been  exchanged  on  the  sly  by  the 
venders  for  others  which  were  inferior.  The  great 
extent  of  sickness  incident  to  the  long  voyage  and 
the  change  of  climate  had  well-nigh  exhausted  the 
medicines.  Here  were  over  a  thousand  people  in  the 
wilderness  without  even  "  manna  "  to  quell  their  mur- 
murings.  Neither  could  they  supplement  their  scanty 
fare  by  means  of  "snakes  and  lizards  and  spiders 
and  worms"  picked  out  of  rotten  wood,  after  the 
manner  of  the  natives.  « 

If  these  people  had  possessed  the  genuine  moral 
principles  and  noble  purposes  which  bore  up  the  pil- 
grims of  the  Mayflower  during  the  snow  and  ice, 
sickness  and  death  of  their  first  New  England  winter, 
the  case  had,  no  doubt,  been  different ;  but  here  was  a 
heterogeneous  community,  with  but  mixed  and  grovel- 
ing motives  at  best,  and,  not  even  knowing  in  what 
part  of  the  globe  they  were,  they  had  no  manner  of 
conception  of  the  nature  of  the  enterprise  before  them. 
Now  place  a  foreigner  over  such  a  community  and 
uuder  such  circumstances,  himself  without  experience 


g-J^  la^t^iSiu^iiSUtff 


« 


212 


PROSPECTS  OF  GOLD. 


I 


in  governing  and  not  even  knowing  the  circumstances, 
and  say  if  it  would  not  need  an  extraordinary  miracle 
to  secure  order  and  prosperity. 

To  govern  and  develop  this  first  colony  in  the  New 
World  would  have  been  quite  enough  for  any  one  man, 
even  if  he  had  been  well  trained  and  experienced  in 
the  work  before  him  and  was  possessed  of  high  pres- 
tige in  his  nation,  but  this  was  only  a  fraction  of  what 
was  expected  of  Columbus.     He   was   to  bring  forth- 
with into  Spain   the  fabulous  wealth  of  the  Indies, 
such  quantities  of  spices  and  gold*  as  would  load  ships 
of  immense  tonnage.     As  to  spices,  they  had  indeed 
found  even  on  "  the  sea-shore  "   **  some  spots  showing 
So  many  indications  of  various  spices  as  naturally  to 
suggest  the  hope  of  the  best  results  for  the  future," 
but  it  would  require  experts,  capital,  and  time  even  to 
test  the  matter.     Gold  he  had  expected  to  find  ready 
to  hand  in  large  quantities,  amassed  by  his  garrison 
against  his  return ;  and,  over  against  his  disappoint- 
ment, he  had  set  on  foot  an  exploring  expedHiou,  of 
two  different  parties — the  dashing,  daring  Ojeda  in  one 
direction  and  Gorbolan  in  another.    These  had  brought 
back  very  promising  samples  and  the  most  glowing  re- 
ports— "  things  that  appeared  incredible,"  "  and  boasted 
so  much  of  the  abundance  of  gold"  that  Columbus  felt 
"  a  hesitation  in  speaking  and  writing  of  it  to  their 
Highnesses."     On  this  point  Dr.  Chanca  was  about  as 
enthusiastic  as  Columbus.     He  says,  "  The  party  that 


'About  this  time  it  was  reported  "  that  a  rock  adjacent  to  a  mountain 
being  struck  with  a  club,  a  large  quantity  of  gold  burst  out,  and  particles  of 
gold  of  indescribable  brightness  glittered  all  around  like  sparks."  What 
must  have  been  expected  from  such  a  countrjr  I 


HINDRANCES  TO  MIN/NG. 


213 


:  circumstances, 
rdinary  miracle 

ny  in  the  New 
\T  any  one  man, 

experienced  in 
\  of  liigli  pres- 
"raction  of  what 

to  bring  forth- 

of  the  Indies, 
vould  load  ships 
ley  had  indeed 
J  spots  showing 

as  naturally  to 
for  the  future," 
nd  time  even  to 
;d  to  find  ready 
by  his  garrison 

his  disappoint- 
g  expe\3Hion,  of 
Qg  Ojeda  in  one 
ese  had  brought 
nost  glowing  re- 
j,"  *'  and  boasted 
It  Columbus  felt 
ig  of  it  to  their 
ca  was  about  as 
'  The  party  that 

Ijacent  to  a  mountain 
St  out,  and  particles  of 
d  like  sparks."     What 


went  to  Cibao  saw  gold  in  so  many  places  that  one 
scarcely  dares  state  the  fact,  for  in  truth  they  found  it 
in  more  than  fifty  streamlets  and  rivers,  as  well  as 
upon  their  banks."  One  nugget  found  by  Ojeda 
weighed  nine  ounces.  This  was  sent  to  Spain  to  be 
admired  by  such  men  as  Peter  Martyr.  If  the  rivers 
rolled  down  their  golden  sands,  and  lumps  of  the 
precious  metal  lay  on  the  surface,  what  might  be  found 
ijy  thorough  and  systematic  mining  to  a  proper  depth  ? 

But  serious  difficulties  were  to  be  overcome  before 
the  Spanish  ships  could  be  loaded  with  the  precious 
metal.  They  needed  passable  roads,  beasts  of  burden, 
and  shelter  and  protection — a  fortress,  for  instance — in 
the  mining  regions.  But  the  greatest  embarrassment 
was  the  ill-health  of  the  people.  Those  sent  out  in 
good  health  would  probably  fall  sick  on  the  way.  "  It 
would  be  also  extremely  inconvenient  to  leave  the 
sick  men  here  in  the  open  air,"  writes  the  Admiral  to 
the  sovereigns,  *'  or  in  huts,  with  such  food  and  defences 
as  they  have  on  shore,  although  these  Indians  appear 
every  day  to  be  more  simple  and  harmless  to  those 
who  laud  for  the  purpose  of  making  investigations.  In 
short,  although  they  come  every  day  to  visit  us,  it  would 
nevertheless  be  imprudent  to  risk  the  loss  of  our  men 
and  our  provisions,  which  might  very  easily  happen, 
if  an  Indian  were  only,  with  a  lighted  coal,  to  set  fire 
to  the  huts,  for  they  ramble  about  both  night  and  day  ; 
for  this  reason  we  keep  sentinels  constantly  on  the 
watch  while  the  dwellings  are  exposed  and  unde- 
fended." 

Twelve  ships  out  of  the  seventeen  which  had  come 
from  Spain  were  waiting  in  the  harbor  at  a   great 


ff 


4» 

1 1 


ii 


214 


r//i?  ^-Af/tAfO/C/AL." 


expense  ;  and  the  return  hack  of  some  of  them  at  least 
with  supplies  for  the  colony,  not  later  than  May,  was 
most  imperative.  They  must  therefore  sail  at  once, 
even  though  they  contained  nothing — beyond  the 
tale  of  disaster  concerning  La  Navidad— but  golden 
promises. 

The  condition  of  the  new  enterprise  at  this  hour  is 
best  illustrated  by  the  so-called  "  memorial,"  drawn 
up  by  Columbus  at  Isabella,  January  30,  1494.  It  is 
designed  for  the  sovereigns,  but  is  addressed  to  Antonio 
de  Torres,  who  was  about  to  command  the  returning 
fleet.  He  was,  no  doubt,  to  malce  such  running  com- 
ments in  the  presence  of  the  sovereigns  as  the  occa- 
sion might  require.  This  very  interesting  document  is 
in  the  famous  Navarretc  collection.  In  the  margin  of 
each  chapter  or  item  is  the  reply  of  the  sovereigns, 
the  documents  thus  annotated  being  returned  to 
Columbus.  It  is  given  in  English  in  R.  H.  Major's 
famous  "  Select  Letters,"  published  by  the  Hakluyt 
Society. 

After  the  opening  formalities,  he  assures  them  that, 
while  nothing  has  "  occurred  to  diminish  the  impor- 
tance" of  what  he  had  "  formerly  written  or  said  to 
their  Highnesses,"  he  would  soon  be  able  to  prove  it 
all  "  by  facts."  He  ^hen  refers  to  the  spices  found 
along  the  coast  and  to  the  wonderful  reports  brought 
in  by  Ojeda  and  Gorbolan  concerning  the  gold  in  the 
interior.  This  being  a  divine  sanction  of  the  great 
enterprise  undertaken  by  their  Highnesses,  they  ought 
to  give  th  Mks  to  God  for  the  same.  In  the  margin 
the  sovere.  is  write,  "  T/ie/r  Highnesses  reltirn  thanks 
to  God  for  ull  that  is  recorded^''  etc.^  etc. 


>>^»»mmii^^ssm ' 


FORT! FY! XG  THE  TOWK. 


215 


e  of  them  at  least 
;r  than  May,  was 
fore  sail  at  once, 
iig — beyond  the 
idad— but  golden 

se  at  this  hour  is 
lemorial,"  drawn 
ry  30.  M94-  It  is 
Iressed  to  Antonio 
nd  the  returning 
ich  running  com- 
;igus  as  the  occa- 
sting  document  is 

In  the  margin  of 
)f  the  sovereigns, 
eing    returned   to 

in  R.  H.  Major's 
[  by  the  Hakluyt 

issures  them  that, 
minish  the  impor- 
ivritteu  or  said  to 
be  able  to  prove  it 
the  spices  found 
il  reports  brought 
ng  the  gold  in  the 
ction  of  the  great 
nesses,  they  ought 
e.  In  the  margin 
esses  return  thanks 
?tc. 


In  the  next  item  Columbus  stntts  the  reasons  for 
not  detaining  the  ships  till  he  niiglit  collect  a  greater 
amount  of  gold.  The  p.  nlearc  sick.  The  ships  are 
lying  in  the  harbor  at  a  1;  rge  expense.  The  weather 
is  favorable  to  their  return.  He  will  need  new  sup- 
plies by  the  month  of  May,  and  there  is  no  time  to 
lose,  etc.  "  ///•  has  tionc  well''  is  the  marginal  note. 
Again,  the  gold  niities  could  not  be  worked  without 
greater  conveniences.  There  must  be  shelter,  pro- 
vision against  sickness,  defence  from  Caonabo  and  his 
merciless  savages  who  had  sacked  La  Navidad.  "/A' 
has  done  well;'  is  repeated  in  the  margin. 

But  the  people  arc  improving  in  health  and  will 
soon  be  acclimated.     "  The  small  number  of  those  who 
continue  well  are  employed  every  day  in  barricading 
our  dwelling  so  as  to  put  it  in  a  state  of  defence,  and 
in  taking  necessary  measures  for  the  safety  of  our  am- 
munition, which  will  be  finished  now  in  a  few  days, 
for  all  our  fortifications  will  consist  simply  of  stone 
walls    {albarrada — meaning    walls    without    mortar). 
With  a  little   vigilance,    small    fortifications   will   do  ^ 
against  the  Indians.     This  done,  he  will  examine  the  ' 
gold-bearing  sands  of  the  rivers  in  the  interior,  and 
build  a  town  of  defence.     "  This  is  loell  and  exactly  as 
he  should  do,''  is  the  marginal  response. 

The  sickness  of  the  colony  is  in  consequence  of 
change  of  climate.  Hence  they  must  have  the  same 
food  as  formerly  at  home',  fresh  supplies  of  which 
should  at  once  be  sent  and  continued  until  the  same 
could  be  produced  in  the  new  world.  The  sickness  of 
the  people  and  the  lean  and  weak  condition  of  the 
domestic  animals  had  not  admitted  of  a  very  extensive 


2l6 


THE  NEEDS  OF  THE  PEOPLE. 


''|1 


t 


(     ' 


iri    i. 


m  \ 


plantation  as  yet,  but  such  crops  as  had  been  tested 
were  exceedingly  promising,  and  the  country  was  very 
beautiful. 

The  monarchs  reply  :  "  Since  the  land  is  so  fertile ^  it 
is  desirable  to  sozv  of  all  kinds  as  much  as  possible^  and 
Don  Juan  dc  Fonsica  is  instructed  to  send  over  immedi- 
ately everything  requisite  for  that  purpose.'''' 

The  people  are  in  need  of  wine  on  account  of  the 
leakage  from  bad  casks,  of  biscuits,  corn,  and  par- 
ticularly of  raisins,  sugar,  almonds,  honey,  and  rice. 
There  should  be  a  larger  stock  of  domestic  animals  of 
nearly  all  kinds.  For  the  freighting  of  two  caravels 
with  those  things,  the  gold  now  sent  home  should  be 
discreetly  appropriated,  and  everything  must  be  expe- 
dited so  as  to  get  returns  by  May. 

Their  Highnesses  will  give  instructions  to  Don  Juan  de 
Fonsica  to  make  immediate  inquiry  respecting  the  impo- 
sition in  the  matter  of  the  casks,  etc.,  the  dispatch  of  the 
business  in  general,  etc. 

As  the  next  two  items  in  this  "  memorial "  are 
those  concerning  which  Columbus  has  been  most 
highly  censured  in  more  recent  times,  we  will  quote 
them  in  full. 

"  Item.  You  will  tell  their  Highnesses  that  as  we 
have  no  interpreter  through  whom  we  can  make  these 
people  acquainted  with  our  hol^y^aith,  as  their  High- 
nesses and  we  ourselves  desire,  and  as  we  will  do  so  soon 
as  we  are  able,  we  send  by  these  two  vessels  some  of 
these  cannibal  men  and  women,  as  well  as  some 
children,  both  male  and  female,  whom  their  High- 
nesses might  order  to  be  placed  under  the  care  of  the 
most  competent  persons  to  teach  them  the  language. 


■'    1 


'!     i 


"^HE  PEOPLE. 

rops  as  had  been  tested 
nd  the  country  was  very 

ce  the  land  is  so  fertile^  it 
as  much  as  possible^  and 
ted  to  send  over  imniedi- 
lat  purpose.''^  : 

wine  on  account  of  the 
biscuits,  corn,  and  par- 
monds,  honey,  and  rice. 
k  of  domestic  animals  of 
lighting  of  two  caravels 
w  sent  home  should  be 
rerything  must  be  expe- 
lay. 

structions  to  Don  Juan  de 
uiry  respecting  the  inipo- 
b,  etc.^  the  dispatch  of  the 

1   this    "  memorial 
ambus    has    been   most 
ent  times,  we  will  quote 

r  Highnesses  that  as  we 
hom  we  can  make  these 
il^y^aith,  as  their  High- 
and  as  we  will  do  so  soon 
se  two  vessels  some  of 
well 


COLUMBUS  AND  SLAVERY. 


217 


men,  as 


as 


ale 


whom  their  High- 
d  under  the  care  of  the 
ich  them  the  language. 


At  the  same  time  they  might  be  employed  in  useful 
occupations,  and  by  degrees,  through  somewhat  more 
care  being  bestowed  upon  them  than  upon  other  slaves, 
they  would  learn  one  from  the  other.     By  not  seeing 
or  speaking  to  each  other  for  a  long  time  they  will 
learn  much  sooner  in  Spain  than  they  will  here,  and 
become  much  better  interpreters.     We  will,  however, 
not  fail  to  do  what  we  can ;  it  is  true  that,  as  there  is 
but  little  communication  between  one  of  these  islands 
and  another,  there  is  some  difference  in  their  mode  of 
expressing  themselves,  which  mainly  depends  on  the 
distance  between  them.      But   as,  amongst  all   these 
islands,   those   inhabited   by   the    cannibals   are   the 
largest  and  most  populous,  it  must  be  evident  that 
nothing  but  good  can  come  from    sending  to  Spain 
men    and    women  who  may  thus  one  day  be  led  to 
abandon  their  barbarous  custom  of  eating  their  fellow- 
creatures.      By   learning  the   Spanish    language    in 
Spain  they  will   much   earlier  receive  baptism,   and 
advance  the  welfare  of  their  souls  ;  moreover,  we  shall 
gain  credit  with  the  Indians  who  do  not  practice  the 
above-mentioned  cruel  custom,  when  they  see  that  we 
have  seized  and  led  captive  those  who  injure  them, 
and  whose  very  name   alone  fills  them  with  horror. 
You  will  assure  their  Highnesses  that  our  arrival  in 
this  country  and  the  sight  of  so  fine  a  fleet  have  pro- 
duced the  most  imposing  effect  for  the  present,  and 
promise  great  security  hereafter ;  for  all  the  inhabi- 
tants of  this  great  island,  and  of  others,  when  they  see 
the  good  treatment  that  we  shall  show  to  those  who  do 
well,  and  the  punishment  that  we  shall  inflict  on  those 
who  do  wrong,  will  hasten  to  submit,  so  that  we  shall 


1> 


3 
( 
1 
h 

\h    1 


1 ' 


m    ' 


t  t 


2l8 


COLUMBUS  AND  SLA  VERY. 


be  able  to  lay  our  commands  on  them  as  vassals  of  their 
Highnesses.  And  as  even  now  they  not  only  readily 
comply  with  every  wish  that  we  express,  but  also  of 
their  own  accord  endeavor  to  do  what  they  think  will 
please  us,  I  think  that  their  Highnesses  may  feel  as- 
sured that,  on  the  other  side  also,  the  arrival  of  this 
fleet  has  in  many  respects  secured  for  them,  both  for 
the  present  and  the  future,  a  wide  renown  amongst 
all  CI  istian  princes,  but  they  themselves  will  be 
able  to  form  a  much  better  judgment  on  this  subject 
than  it  is  in  my  power  to  give  expression  to." 

^''Lct  him  be  informed  of  what  ha^s  transpired  respecting 
the  cannibals  that  came  over  to  Spain.  He  has  done 
well  and  let  him  do  as  he  says,  but  let  him  endeavor  by 
all  possible  means  to  convert  them  to  our  holy  Cat  hoi ic 
religion,  and  do  the  same  with  respect  to  the  inhabitants 
of  all  the  islands  to  which  he  may  go^ 

"  Item.  You  will  tell  their  Highnesses  that  the  wel- 
fare of  the  souls  of  the  said  cannibals,  and  of  the  in- 
habitants of  this  island  also,  has  suggested  the 
thought  that  the  greater  the  number  that  are  sent  over 
to  Spain  the  better,  and  this  good  service  may  result 
to  their  Highnesses  in  the  following  manner.  Con- 
sidering what  great  need  we  have  of  cattle  and  of 
beasts  of  burden,  both  for  food  and  to  assist  the  set- 
tlers in  this  and  all  these  islands,  both  for  peopling 
the  land  and  cultivating  the  soil,  their  Highnesses 
might  authorize  a  suitable  number  of  caravels  to  come 
here  every  year  to  bring  over  the  said  cattle  and  pro- 
visions and  other  articles  ;  these  cattle,  etc.,  might  be 
sold  at  moderate  prices  for  account  of  the  bearers,  and 
the  latter  might  be  paid  with  slaves  taken  from  among 


ml 


VERY. 

a  as  vassals  of  their 
^  not  only  readily 
ixpress,  but  also  of 
lat  they  think  will 
jsses  may  feel  as- 
the  arrival  of  this 
I  for  them,  both  for 
e  renown  amongst 
hem  selves   will   be 
nt  on  this  subject 
ession  to." 
r (inspired  respecting 
tin.      He  has  done 
let  him  endeavor  by 
to  our  holy  Catholic 
ct  to  the  inhabitants 
»." 

messes  that  the  wel- 
bals,  and  of  the  in- 
las  suggested  the 
;r  that  are  sent  over 
service  may  result 
ang  manner.  Con- 
.ve  of  cattle  and  of 
d  to  assist  the  set- 
(,  both  for  peopling 
il,  their  Highnesses 
of  caravels  to  come 
said  cattle  and  pro- 
lattle,  etc.,  might  be 
;  of  the  bearers,  and 
s  taken  from  among 


COLUMBUS  AND  SLAVERY. 


ax9 


the  Caribbees,  who  are  a  wild  people  fit  for  any  work, 
well  proportioned  and  very  intelligent,  and  who,  when 
they  have  got  rid  of  the  cruel  habits  to  which  they 
have  become  accustomed,  will  be  better  than  any  other 
kind  of  slaves.  When  they  are  out  of  their  country 
they  will  forget  their  cruel  customs,  and  it  will  be 
easy  to  obtain  plenty  of  these  savages  by  means  of  row- 
boats  that  we  propose  to  build.  It  is  taken  for  granted 
that  each  of  the  caravels  sent  by  their  Highnesses  will 
have  on  board  a  confidential  man,  who  will  take  care 
that  the  vessels  do  not  stop  anywhere  else  than  here, 
where  they  are  to  unload  and  reload  their  vessels. 
Their  Highnesses  might  fix  duties  on  the  slaves  that 
may  be  taken  over,  upon  their  arrival  in  Spain.  You 
will  ask  for  a  reply  upon  this  point,  and  bring  it  to  me 
in  order  that  I  may  be  able  to  take  the  necessary 
measures  should  the  proposition  merit  the  approbation 
of  their  Highnesses." 

*'  The  consideration  of  this  subject  has  been  suspended  for 
a  time.,  until  fresh  advices  ar-rive  from  the  other  side  ;  let 
the  Admiral  write  what  he  thinks  upon  the  subject.  " 

Clearly  enough,  this  is  an  out-and-out  proposition  on 
the  part  of  Columbus  to  enslave  th/  Caribbean  can- 
nibals, and  shows  that  his  ideas  of  personal  freedom 
were  not  so  far  in  advance  of  the  world's  thought  as 
were  his  conceptions  of  cosmography.  It  is  indeed  a 
great  merit  for  a  man's  judgment  to  be  ahead  of  his 
time,  but  for  a  man  to  think  and  act  simply  abreast  of 
his  age  surely  is  no  cause  of  censure.  And  what  could 
be  more  unjust  than  to  judge  any  one  by  a  standard 
hundreds  of  years  in  advance  ?  In  this  latter  part  of 
the  fifteenth  century  the  African  slave-trade  was  fairly  • 


S:pf 


m 


4  V'  I 

m 


r 


220 


COLUMBUS  AND  SLA  VERY. 


inaugurated  and  had  the  highest  moral  and  religious 
sanction,  and  it  has  taken  nearly  all  the  centuries 
since  to  reach  a  universally  clear  conviction  as  to  the 
wrong  and  general  mischievousness  of  the  system. 
American  authors,  who  have  still  living  among  them 
thousands  of  human  beings  who  once  stood  on  the 
slave-block,  as  a  part  of  the  goods  and  chattels  of  the 
nation,  are  in  an  awkward  predicament  for  condemning 
the  world's  hero  of  1494  for  not  anticipating  the 
decisions  of  the  latter  half  of  the  nineteenth  century. 
The  argument  used  by  Columbus,  that  the  advantages 
of  civilization  and  Christianity  would  offset  the  loss  of 
personal  freedom  to  a  man-eatiug  savage,  finds  its  par- 
allel at  least  in  arguments  offered  in  this  country  by 
politicians  and  learned  divines  within  our  own  recollec- 
tion. 

But  if  the  opinion  of  Columbus  may  be  extenuated 
in  the  light,  or  rather  in  the  darkness,  of  his  age,  the 
immediate  hesitation  as  to  accepting  that  opinion  on  the 
part  of  the  monarchs,  and  their  final  decision  to  reject 
it— due  mainly  to  the  kiudheartedness  of  Isabella,  no 
^oubt — may  justly  be  regarded  as  a  decision  in  advance 
of  that  age. 

The  remainder  of  the  memorial  is  occupied  with 
itemized  statements  concerning  the  purchase  of  certain 
vessels,  the  best  manner  of  chartering  caravels  for  the 
West  Indies,  the  dishonest  dealing  of  the  horse-venders 
at  Seville,  the  improper  conduct  of  the  horsemen  in 
Hayti,  the  need  of  caution  in  sending  out  well-disposed 
persons  to  colonize  the  Indies,  the  need  of  more  arms, 
etc.,  etc.  But  the  most  notable  items  are  concerning 
•  certain  benefits  and  privileges  asked  for  Pedro  Magarite 


and 

race 

F 

The 

but 
and 
of  ( 

the 
wei 
tho 

flee 
so  ; 
bee 
spi: 
anc 
Th 
ace 
tru 
in  I 
[ex] 
lati 
\va; 
in 
ses 
ore 

1 

cyli 
exci 

tliei 
to  a 
pas 
boll 


1 


WERT. 

noral  and  religious 
r  all  the  centuries 
:onviction  as  to  the 
;ss  of  the  system, 
living  among  them 
once  stood  on  the 
;  and  chattels  of  the 
ent  for  condemning 
>t  anticipating  the 
nineteenth  century, 
that  the  advantages 
uld  offset  the  loss  of 
avage,  finds  its  par- 
in  this  country  by 
in  our  own  recollec- 

may  be  extenuated 
ness,  of  his  age,  the 
I  that  opinion  on  the 
lal  decision  to  reject 
Iness  of  Isabella,  no 
I  decision  in  advance 

il  is  occupied  with 
;  purchase  of  certain 
ring  caravels  for  the 
of  the  horse-venders 
of  the  horsemen  in 
ing  out  well-disposed 
need  of  more  arms, 
cems  are  concerning 
;d  for  Pedro  Magarite 


DISCONTENT  IN  THE  COLONY. 


221 


and  Juan  Aguado,  from  both  of  whom  he  afterward 
received  exceedingly  unkind  treatment. 

February  2, 1494,  the  fleet  of  twelve  sail  left  for  Spain. 
The  quantity  of  gold  carried  back  was  not  excessive, 
but  the  letters  from  Columbus,  Friar  Buil,  Dr.  Chanca, 
and  others  of  influence,  along  with  the  personal  report 
of  Gorbolan,'  sustained  the  hopes  of  the  enterprise. 

Sickness,  hunger,  and  disappointment,  on  the  side  of 
the  globe  opposite  home — in  a  wilderness  of  savages — 
were  not  very  conducive  to  contentment,  on  the  part  of 
those  whose  terms  of  service  had  not  expired,  when  the 
fleet  spread  its  sails  for  the  return.     And  two  officials, 
so  situated  as  to  be  able  to  make  their  evil  influence  felt, 
became  leaders  of  such  as  were  affected  by  the  mutinous 
spirit.     One  was  Bernal  Diaz,  comptroller  of  the  colony, 
and  the  other  was  Fermin  Cedo,  the  assayer  of  metals. 
The   former  could  speak  disparagingly  of  the  small 
accounts   which    figured   in  the  returns  of  this  loud- 
trumpeted  enterprise,  and  the  other  was  wide-mouthed 
in  crying  down  the  gold  which   had  raised  such  great 
expectations.     Irving,  following  Bernaldez,  says  of  the 
latter  mutineer :  "  He  pertinaciously  insisted  that  there 
was  no  gold  iii  the  island,  or  at  least  that  it  was  found 
in  such  inconsiderable  quantities  as  not  to  repay  the 
search.     He  declared  that  the  large  grains  of  virgin 
ore  brought  by  the  natives  had  been  melted ;  that  they 


'  The  caciques  led  Gorbolan  and  his  party  "  to  a  workshop  where  a  gold- 
smith was  beating  out  gold  into  very  thin  plates.  The  gold  was  laid  on  a 
cylindrical  stone  with  highly  polished  surface.  This  artificer,  possessing 
excellent  skill  in  making  wreaths  and  turbans  (for  the  Indian  women  use 
these  as  sumptuous  ornaments  for  their  heads),  was  engaged  in  beating  out 
to  an  extreme  degree  of  tenuity  a  plate  so  large  that  to  carry  it  would  sur- 
pasr.  the  power  of  the  strongest  man."  Such  is  Syllacius's  report  of  Gor- 
bolan's  search  for  gold. 


aaa         discontent  in  the  colonk. 

had  been  the  slow  accumulation  of  many  years,  having 
remained  a  long  time  in  the  families  of  the  Indians 
and  handed  down  from  generation  to  generation ;  which 
in    many   instances   was   probably   the   case       Other 
specimens,  of   a  large  size,  he  pronounced  of  a  very 
inferior  quality,  and  debased  with  brass  by  the  natives. 
The  words  of  this  man  outweighed  the  evidence  of  facts, 
and  many  joined  him  in  the  belief  that  the  island  was 
really  destitute  of  gold.     It  was  not  until  some  time 
afterwards  that  the  real  character  of  Fermin  Cedo  was 
ascertained  and  the  discovery  made  that  his  ignorance 
was  at  least  equal  to  his  obstinacy  and  presumption- 
qualities  apt  to  enter  largely  into  the  compound  of  a 
meddlesome  and  mischievous  man." 

That  Columbus  had  grossly  exaggerated  the  advan- 
tages of  the  newly  discovered  country ,  and  so  deceived  the 
people  in  Spain  in  order  to  magnify  his  own  importance, 
was    the  general    charge.      The   immense    resources 
of  the  West   Indies,   which   have   since  enriched  the 
world    and    administered  incalculably  to  its  luxuries, 
were  entirely  overlooked  by  these  idle  adventurers,  who 
were  only  seeking  for  great  fortunes  in  §old  ready  to 
hand.    The  flattering  prospects  of  mining  resources 
broughtto  light  by  Ojeda  and  Gorbolan  were  maliciously 
ignored ;  and  Bernal  Diaz,  who  had  already  had  some 
variances  with  the  Admiral,  joined  with  several  others 
as  ringleaders,  and    resolved    on   seizing  the    ships 
remaining  in  the  harbor  Pud  returning  to  Spam.     This 
could  be  easily  effected  during  the  Admiral's  illness, 
and  the  influence  of  Diaz  at  court  would  extenuate  the 
mutinous  movement,  especially   when  it  was  known 
what  great  disappointment  the  colony  had  suffered. 


:  COLON y. 

many  years,  having 
lilies  of  the  Indians, 
to  generation ;  which 
y  the  case.  Other 
ironounced  of  a  very 
brass  by  the  natives. 
[  the  evidence  of  facts, 
;f  that  the  island  was 

not  until  some  time 
■  of  Fermin  Cedo  was 
,de  that  his  ignorance 
cy  and  presumption — 
Lo  the  compound  of  a 

1." 

:aggerated  the  advan- 
:ry ,  and  so  deceived  the 
fy  his  own  importance, 
i  immense    resources 
ire   since  enriched  the 
ilably  to  its  luxuries, 
e  idle  adventurers,  who 
tunes  in  gold  ready  to  1 
;  of  mining  resources 
•bolan  were  maliciously 
had  already  had  some 
ned  with  several  others 
on   seizing  the    ships 
uming  to  Spain.     This] 
the  Admiral's  illness,, 
irt  would  extenuate  the 
y   when  it  was   known  | 
:olony  had  suffered. 


A  MUTINOUS  PLOT. 


223 


But  this  plot,  so  fraught  with  mischief,  was  discovered, 
and  in  the  process  of  investigation  there  was  found 
tucked  away  in  the  buoy  of  one  of  the  ships  a  most 
slanderous  document  prepared  by  Diaz  against  Colum- 
bus, for  the  prejudice  of  the  court.  The  ringleaders 
were  arrested,  Diaz  was  imprisoned  in  one  of  the  ships 
to  be  sent  to  Spain  for  trial,  and  others  were  punished 
in  various  ways,  according  to  the  degree  of  the  guilt  of 
each.  In  order  to  prevent  any  like  occurrence  after- 
wards, all  the  guns  and  munitions  of  war  were  taken 
out  of  four  of  the  ships  and  placed  in  the  fifth  and 
largest,  under  the  care  of  some  of  the  most  trustworthy 
persons  in  the  colony.  This  first  revolt  is  a  fair  sample 
of  the  spirit  and  conduct  with  which  Columbus  had  to 
contend  throughout  his  bitter  trials  in  the  Indies. 
Though  the  punishments  he  inflicted  were  mild,  barely 
such  as  were  necessary  for  the  public  safety,  he  was  at 
once  stigmatized  as  severe  and  tyrannical ;  and  the  fact 
that  he  was  a  foreigner,  with  merely  newly-made  friends 
and  influence  in  Spain,  was  made  to  tell  heavily  against 
j  him,  especially  by  such  as  had  both  friends  and 
influence  at  home. 

Nothing  in  the  enterprises  of  this  new  world,  in  the 
estimation  of  Columbus,  demanded  his  personal  attention 
I  more  than  the  development  of  the  gold-mines  in  the 
mountains  of  Cibao.  Having  now  recovered  his  health, 
home  affairs  at  Irabella  were  organized  with  view  to  his 
absence.  His  brother,  Diego,  mild  and  pacific  in 
temper  rather  than  shrewd  and  firm,  was  placed  in  com- 
mand of  the  infant  city  and  the  little  fleet  in  the  har- 
Ibor.  Other  persons  of  influence  constituted  a  board  of 
counsellors. 


224        GOING  TO  THE  GOLD  MOUNTAINS. 

The    expedition    to  the   mountains  would   require 
energy  and  skill,  as  well  as  a  very  considerable  force. 
A  fort  must  be  built,  the  mines  must  be  worked,  and  the 
natives  must  be  impressed  with  the  power  and  mag- 
nificence of  the  white  man.     A  regular  engineering  and 
mining  outfit,  therefore,  was  necessary,  and  such  mil- 
itary display  as  the  Admiral  could  command.     A  start- 
ling sight  in  those  verdant  forests  and  plains  of  early 
spring-March    i2th-must  have  been   the   400  men 
which  he  led  out  in  glistening  steel,  their  ranks  brist- 
ling with   lances   and    cross-bows,  their  swords    and 
arquebuses  ready   for  death-dealing  execution  ;  and  a 
novelty  to  this  array  itself  must  have  been  the  multi- 
tude of  Indians  which  hovered  around  and  brought  up 
the  rear.     The  roll  of  the  drum  and  the  penetrating 
notes  of  the  trumpet  awaken  the  woodland  echoes,  aud  the 
movement  is  in  regular  rank  and  file.     The  first  day  s 
march  is  across  the  tropical  plain  from  the  sea  to  the 
mountains.     As  night  came  on,  they  encamped  at  the 
foot  of  the  only  convenient  pass  of  the  Monte  Christi 
range  in  that  vicinity.     A   mere    Indian  trail  wound 
upward  among  the  rocks,  often  well-nigh  obstructed  by 
bushes  and  tangled  thickets.     But  by  the  close  of  the 
next  day  the  enterprising  young  hidalgos  had  engi- 
neered and  completed  a  convenient  militarj-  road,  after 
the  manner  of  the  road-making  in  the  mountains  of 
Granada  during  the  recent  Moorish  war.     This  Gen- 
tleman's  Pass,  as  it  was  called,  has  long  since  been 
obliterated  by  the  rank-growing  vegetation.     The  next 
day,  having  reached  the  mountain-top,  a  most  enchant- 
ing view  of  an  immense  tropical  vale  opened  l^fore 
them-the  same  which  had  delighted  Ojeda  and  his 


OUNTAINS. 

tins  would  require 
considerable  force, 
t  be  worked,  and  the 
le  power  and  mag- 
lar  engineering  and 
sary,  and  such  mil- 
:omniand.  A  start- 
and  plains  of  early 
been  the  400  men 
;1,  their  ranks  brist- 
,  their  swords  and 
I  execution  ;  and  a 
ive  been  the  multi- 
nud  and  brought  up 
md  the  penetrating 
dland  echoes,  and  the 
lie.     The  first  day's 

from  the  sea  to  the 
ley  encamped  at  the 
f  the  Monte  Christi 

Indian  trail  wound 
1-nigh  obstructed  by 
t  by  the  close  of  the 
;  hidalgos  had  engi- 
it  military  road,  after 
in  the  mountains  of 
ish  war.     This  Gen- 
has  long  since  been 
egetation.     The  next 
i-top,  a  most  enchant- 
1  vale  opened  before 
ighted  Ojeda  and  his 


THE  ROYAL    VALE. 


225 


company  when  prospecting  for  gold  a  short  time  before. 
In  every  direction,  as  far  as  the  eye  could  reach,  was 
this  sea  of  verdure,  bounded  in  the  horizon  by  lofty 
mountain  ranges.  The  meadows,  half  wild,  half  cul- 
tured, were  robed  in  the  tall  rank  grasses  of  the  tropics  ; 
shrubs  and  climbing  vines  were  forest-like  in  their 
exuberance;  the  stately  palms  and  wide-spreading  ma- 
hogany trees  rose  gigantic  all  over  the  far-reaching 
landscape  ;  the  smooth  rivers,  winding  their  way  from 
the  mountains  to  the  sea,  gleamed  here  and  there 
through  this  wealth  of  the  tropics,  and  at  innumerable 
points  rose  the  smoke  of  the  native  hamlet.  On  the 
impulse  of  the  magnificent  view,  Columbus  named  this 
grand  part  of  the  island   Vega   Real,  or   the   Royal 

Vale. 

One  cannot  read  the  account  of  the  descent  of  this 
miniature  army  into  the  plain  without  breathing  some- 
thing of  the  air  of  romance  which  must  have  entranced 
them  on  every  side — without  wishing  one  could  have 
been  there  to  enjoy  the  novel  scene.  From  every  direc- 
tion the  immense  Indian  population  came  out  to  see 
the  sight — such  a  sight  as  had  never  come  to  them 
even  in  their  wildest  dreams.  The  regular  step  of  well- 
drilled  infantry,  bearded  and  with  rosy  complexion,  clad 
in  the  most  brilliant  colors  and  in  polished  steel ;  the 
weapons  of  war,  so  unlike  the  rude  Indian  lance  or 
war-club,  or  bows  and  arrows  chipped  and  scraped  out 
with  flint ;  the  waving  plumes,  streaming  banners  and 
martial  music,  but,  above  all,  the  prancing  cavalry 
which  led  the  van— the  simple-minded  natives  suppos- 
ing, Las  Casas  tells  us,  that  horse  and  rider  constituted 
one  being— the  centaur  of  the  ancients— and  being  sur- 


226         HOSPITALITY  OF  THE  NATIVES. 

prised  beyond  measure  at  the  dismounting  to  see  the 
double  creature  thus  parcelled  out-how  all  this  must 
have  made  the  poor  naked  Indian  gape  and  stare!     At 
first  the   astonished  beings  fled,  leaving  house   and 
home  without  any  protection,  save  the  bars  of  slender 
reeds  placed   across    the   doorway  of   the   wigwam 
thinking  the  white  men  might  understand  that  item  ot 
Indian  etiquette,  which  thus  forbade  the  entrance  of  a 
stranger.     Columbus  at  once  commanded  a  scrupulous 
regard  for  this   simple   contrivance.     But  the   inter- 
preters spoke  their  good  words  for  the  strangers,  and 
The  common  trinket  presenti  were  distributed.     Now 
the  crowds  came  so  thick  and  fast  and  brought  such 
abundance    of    their    victuals   and    drink    that    the 
Spaniards  could  scarcely  make  their  way.    They  were 
surprised,  moreover,  to  see  how  the  Indians  accompany- 
ing  them   would   enter  the  houses  they  passed  and 
appropriate  whatever  they  wanted  in  the  way  of  food 
without  let  or  hindrance.     The  common  hospitality  of 
the  savage-always  generous-was  enhanced  in  this 
country,  it  would  seem,  by  the  abundant  spontaneity  of 
nature    in   providing    for   the   simple   wants  of   the 

natives.  /  ..^ 

Having  made  five  leagues  on  the  way  across  the 
plain,  they  reached  the  River  Yagui,  which  Columbus 
named  the  River  of  Reeds,  not  knowing  that  it  was 
the  same  which  the  year  before,  on  the  coast  near 
Monte  Christi,  he  had  called  the  River  of  Gold  from 
the  shining  particles  seen  in  the  sand.  Here  they 
encamped  for  the  night,  and  the  imagination  points  a 
happy  scene  when  we  are  told  that,  enraptured  with 
the  charms  of  nature  all  about  them,  the  hundreds 


NATIVES, 

nounting  to  see  the 
—how  all  this  must 
gape  and  stare  1  At 
leaving  house  and 
;  the  bars  of  slender 
ly  of  the  wigwam, 
derstand  that  item  of 
ide  the  entrance  of  a 
nanded  a  scrupulous 
ice.  But  the  inter- 
>r  the  strangers,  and 
re  distributed.  Now 
ist  and  brought  such 
ud  drink  that  the 
leir  way.  They  were 
e  Indians  accompany- 
ses  they  passed  and 
d  in  the  way  of  food, 
;ommon  hospitality  of 
vas  enhanced  in  this 
nndant  spontaneity  of 
limple   wants  of   the 

I  the  way  across  the 
gui,  which  Columbus 

knowing  that  it  was 
e,  on  the  coast  near 
5  River  of  Gold  from 
;he  sand.  Here  they 
e  imagination  points  a 

that,  enraptured  with 
It  them,  the  hundreds 


GALA  DATS. 


227 


plunged  into  the  river  for  that  delightful  and  social 
recreation — a-diving  and  a-swimraing  in  company. 
To  one  who  has  revelled  in  this  sort  of  thing  Michael 
An^elo's  "Cartoon  of  Bathing  Soldiers"  will  never 
lose  its  fascination.  Scarcely  less  could  have  been  the 
fun  and  frolic  the  next  morning,  when  the  r'lver,  too 
deep  to  ford,  was  crossed  with  canoes  and  rafts,  while 
the  horses  were  made  to  swim  over. 

Now  follow  two  days  more  of  the  delightful  march 
across  what  might  be  called,  according  to  the  descrip- 
tion, the  vale  of  paradise.  Forest  and  stream  have 
an  endless  variety,  an  endless  charm  of  novelty,  and 
some  of  the  rivers  which  come  down  from  Cibao  have 
the  glittering  particles  of  gold  in  their  sands.  To  that 
limpid  stream  in  the  bed  of  which  one  can  admire  the 
smooth  round  pebbles  is  given  the  name  Rio  Verde, 
on  account  of  its  emerald  banks. 

Everywhere  the  abundant  native  population  give 
them  the  same  generous  reception.  Conciliated  by 
the  interpreters,  they  return  from  their  flight,  find  their 
wigwams,  barricaded  with  reeds,  unmolested,  and  do 
their  utmost  to  feed  and  entertain  the  strangers. 

At  last  they  have  crossed  the  Royal  Vale,  and  look 
up  the  rugged  heights  of  the  mountains  of  Cibao, 
which  means  the  mountain  of  rocks.  If  the  aspect  is 
not  so  luxurious  and  inviting,  and  the  pass  appears 
steep  and  difficult,  the  visions  of  gold  teeming  in  those 
rocky  summits  will  inspirit  the  pioneers  to  open  a 
road  for  the  army  early  the  next  day.  But  these  four 
hundred  men,  living  here  in  the  open  air,  with  plenty 
of  vigorous  exercise,  have  ravenous  appetites  which 
will  not  be  satisfied  with  the  light  and  easily  digested 


228 


LOCATING   THE  FORTRESS. 


food  of  the  natives.  The  bread  and  wine,  therefore, 
are  disappearing  at  the  most  alarming  rate,  and  some 
mnst  go  back  with  a  company  of  mules  to  bring  in- 
creased rations  from  Isabella. 

The  next  morning  they  wind  their  way  up,  amidst 
broken  and  tumbled  rocks,  through  an  abrupt  ravine, 
in  a  long  strung-out  line,  leading  their  horses.     Reach- 
ing the  heights,  they  look  backwards  over  the  same 
charming  landscape  of  such  immense  reach,  the  vale 
being,  Las  Casas  says,  eighty  leagues  longund  twenty 
to  thirty  wide.     Striking,  indeed,  must  have  been  the 
contrast    between  the   enchanting   scene   left   behind 
and  the  rugged  heights,  towering  toward  heaven,  all 
around   them.      As   they   were   now    some    eighteen 
leagues  from  Isabella,  and  the  mountain-passes  were 
toilsome  for  transportation,  the  Admiral  began  to  pros- 
pect for  a  location,  which  he  did  the  more  readily, 
since  there  was  not  only  gold  in  the  bottoms  of  the 
streams  which  cut  their  way  down  the  ravines,  but 
there  were  specimens  of  amber  and  of  lapis  lazuli,  and 
possibly  there  were  indications  of  mines  of  copper. 
Casting  about,  he  found  a  sort  of  plateau  among  the 
declivities  of  these  mountains,  very   fertile,  and  en- 
livened by  the  purling  notes  of-  a  small  river,  its  clear 
waters  washing  the  most  curious  and  bnght-colorea 
stones,  aye,  even  large  masses  of  elegant  marble  and 
bits  of  jasper.      As  it  swept  nearly  around  a  sort  ot 
eminence,  it  would  serve  as  a  ditch  to  the  fortress,  very 
little  further  fortification   being  necessary.      Here  a 
strong  wooden  fortress,  called  St.  Thomas,  was  built, 
the  name  being  a  playful  reference  to  the  incredulity 
of  his  enemies,  the  more  appropriate  since  here  the 


?  TJiESS. 

and  wine,  therefore, 
ining  rate,  and  some 
f  mules  to  bring  in- 

heir  way  up,  amidst 
jtIi  an  abrui)t  ravine, 
iicir  horses.  Reach- 
ards  over  the  same 
lense  reach,  the  vale 
rues  long  iind  twenty 

must  have  been  the 
r  scene  left  behind 
r  toward  heaven,  all 
low  some  eighteen 
lountain-passcs  were 
dmiral  began  to  pros- 
d  the  more  readily, 
n  the  bottoms  of  the 
jwn  the  ravines,  but 
id  of  lapis  lazuli,  and 

of  mines  of  copper. 
f  plateau  among  the 
very  fertile,  and  en- 
L  small  river,  its  clear 
IS  and  bright-colored 
■  elegant  marble  and 
iarly  around  a  sort  of 
:h  to  the  fortress,  very 

necessary.  Here  a 
t.  Thomas,  was  built, 
ice  to  the  incredulity 
priate  since  here  the 


GO/./)!    GOLD! 


229 


gold  could  be  seen  with  the  eyes  and  touched  with  the 
hands. 

Here,  as  elsewhere,  the  natives  soon  learned  that 
j^old  was  the  great  quest  of  the  »Spaniards,  so  they  be- 
came very  enterprising  in  procuring  it.  Some  hurried 
away  to  the  mountain  streams,  and  sifted  the  sands 
till  they  procured  quite  an  encouraging  amount  <>f  the 
precious  dust.  All  this  they  readily  bartered  for 
trinkets  and  gcw-gaws.  See  that  old  man  bring  two 
pieces  of  ore  an  ounce  in  weight,  delighted  beyond 
measure  in  receiving  a  luuvk's  bell  in  return !  Is  the 
.\dniiral  surprised  0'  'le  size  of  these  specimens  ?  In 
his  country,  only  a  half  day's  journey  distant,  pieces 
could  be  found  as  big  as  an  orange !  While  others, 
bringing  grains  of  ten  and  twelve  drachms,  had  seen 
masses  as  big  as  the  head  of  a  child !  But  the  mine 
of  golden  wonders  was  always  a  long  way  off— in  some 
hidden  or  out-of-the-way  place. 

While  the  Admiral  was   thus    superintending  the 
construction  of  the  fortress,  Juan  de  Luxan,  a  yoiing 
cavalier  of  Madrid,  was  assigned  the  task  of  exploring 
this  mountain  province,  supposed  to  be  about  as  large 
as  the  kingdom  of  Portugal.      Before  long  he  and  his 
small  band  of  armed  men  returned  with  a  decidedly 
interesting  account  of  things.      Cibao  was  indeed  a 
mountainous  country,  but  it  abounded   in   excellent 
pasturage,    the    frequent    ^howers    in    that    elevated 
region  bringing  on  such  a  luxuriant  growth  of  grass 
as  frequently  reached  their  saddles  in  riding  through. 
Then  there  were  many  plateaus  susceptible  of  cultiva- 
tion, and  the  aromatic  plants  and  trees  1     There  must 
be   an   abundance   of  spices   in    this  region.      As  to 


230 


THE  GARRISON. 


■}>: 


grapes,  it  was  the  very  land  of  promise.  The  vine! 
climbed  to  the  tree-tops,  bearing  an  abundance  of  th* 
most  juicy  and  delicious  clusters.  Moreover,  eacl 
valley  and  glen  had  its  mountain  stream,  bringing 
down  the  shining  gold-dust  1  And  had  not  the  In 
dians  let  De  Luxan  into  the  secret  as  to  where  to  fine 
the  streams  richest  in  gold,  and  where  the  best  mine: 
were  ?  But  on  these  points  no  one  but  the  Admira 
could  share  his  secret. 

The  fortress  being  completed,  Pedro  Margarite  waj 
made  commander  of  the  garrison,  numbering  fifty-six 
Returning  to  Isabella,  the  Admiral  met  the  Spaniard; 
on   the   return   with   supplies   on   the   banks  of  Ri( 
Verde.     They  examined  the  river  to  find  a  ford,  anc 
the  Admiral  was  planning  the  best  route  from  the  nev 
settlement  to  the  gold  regions.     He  now  resided  foi 
some  time    in    the   Indian   villages,    cultivating    th< 
acquaintance  and  learning  the  habits  of  these  people 
He  found  that  in  many  instances,  especially  wher 
taey  came  in  contact  with  the  raiding  attacks  of  thj 
Caribs,  they  were  much  more  warlike  than    he  haj 
supposed.     He  also  found  that  he  had  been  mistaken  ij 
supposing  that  they  were  without  any  religion.     The! 
believed   in   a   supreme   deity  and  in   a  regular  ai 
immense  order  of  mediators,  called  Zemes^  which  the| 
represented  by  rudely  fashioned  idols.     Each  caciqi 
had  his   idol   or   Zeme^  which   he  kept  in  a  sort 
wigwam  temple  set    apart  for   the  purpose.      TheJ 
were  their  tutelar  deities,  whose  influence  they  pro] 
tiated.     They  had   their  priesthood,  their  processioi 
and  their  rude  worship.     If  any  one  managed  to 
possession  of  the  image  of  another's  Zeme^  the  inf 


rsON. 

>f  promise.  The  vines 
ng  au  abundance  of  the 
LSters.  Moreover,  each 
mtain  stream,  bringing 
1  And  had  not  the  In- 
;cret  as  to  where  to  find 
tid  where  the  best  mines 
o  one  but  the  Admiral 

;d,  Pedro  Margarite  was 
son,  numbering  fifty-six. 
.miral  met  the  Spaniards 
5   on   the  banks  of  Rio 
river  to  find  a  ford,  and 
;  best  route  from  the  new 
Qs.     He  now  resided  for 
allages,   cultivating    the 
le  habits  of  these  people, 
itances,  especially  where 
le  raiding  attacks  of  the 
re  warlike  than    he  had 
t  he  had  been  mistaken  in 
hout  any  religion.    They 
;y  and  in   a  regular  and 
called  Zemes^  which  they 
med  idols.     Each  cacique 
ch  he  kept  in  a  sort  of 
For   the  purpose.      These 
lose  influence  they  propi- 
jsthood,  their  processions, 
•  any  one  managed  to  get 
another's  Zeme,  the  influ- 


RELIGION  OF  THE  INDIANS. 


231 


ence  of  the  deity  was  transferred  accordingly.  These 
people,  like  the  heathen  in  general,  had  very  absurd 
notions  about  the  creation,  believing,  for  instance,  that 
the  sun  and  moon  issued  out  of  a  cave  in  their  island. 
They  seem  to  have  had  in  general  some  conception 
of  an  immortality  or  future  state.  Sometimes  the 
caciques  practised  gross  impositions  on  their  people, 
hiding  a  confidant  in  some  corner  of  the  temple,  who 
thea  spoke  through  the  image  by  means  of  a  hollow 
tube.  As  is  frequently  the  case  among  savages,  the 
priesthood  dabbled  in  the  healing  art,  using  herbs  as 
simples,  rather  than  according  to  intelligent  combina- 
tion of  the  healing  virtues  of  plants.^ 

During  his    sojourn   with   the   inhabitants   of  the 
Vega   Real,  the  busy  Admiral  must  have  been  im- 
pressed with  their  idle  and  easy  mode  of  life.     A  slight 
tillage  of  the  soil  would  produce  all  the  maize,  potatoes, 
and  yucca  roots  which,  in  addition  to  the  fishes,  reptiles, 
and  abundant  spontaneity  of  native  fruits,  would  fully 
supply  their  frugal  wants.     Except  in  the  colder  alti- 
tudes of  the  mountains,  the  temperature  was   never 
severe  enough  to  suggest  the  need  of  a  covering  -^  and 
as  the  naked  human  form  was  as  proper  to  their  eyes 
as  the  common  objects  in  nature,  and  perhaps  more 
beautiful  than  tree  or  flowers,  why  should  they  toil  or 
spin  ?     That  costly  and  elaborate  thing  which  we  call 
a  house  their  genial    climate  and  simple  tastes  did 
not  call  for,  except  in  its  simplest  and  most  rudimentary 

>  A  full  account  of  absurdities  of  the  religious  belief  of  the  natives  may  be 
found  between  chapters  62  and  63  of  the  biography  of  Fernando  Columbus. 

«In  the  colder,  mountain  regions  it  would. seem  that  the  natives  kept  them- 
selves warm  in  winter  by  an  excess  of  flesh  diet  well  seasoned  with  red 
peppers.  . 


V    « 


2  3  2         SEA  UTIFUL  SIMPL ICI7  Y  OF  L IFF. 

forms.      They  lounged,  chatted,  laughed,  danced  and 
sung,  every  day  being,  no  doubt,  a  happy  pastoral  to 
the  more  thoughtful  and  aesthetic  of  these  children  of 
nature.     Occasionally  the  war-club,  the  rude  lance,  and 
the   bow  and  arrow  had  to  be  taken  up  against  the 
incursion  of  the  fierce  Caribs,  but  the  nearer  neigh- 
bors were  so   peaceful  among  themselves  as  to  be  a 
model  to  many  civilized  nations  ;    and  that  common 
terror  of  savage  countries,  the  ferocious  wild  beast,  was 
not  known.     How  often   we  turn  with  delectation  to 
that  charming  picture  of  this  region  given  from  the 
pen  of  Peter  Martyr.     "  The 'island  enjoyed  perpetual 
springtime,  and  was  blessed  with  continual  summer 
and  harvest.     The  trees  preserved  their  leaves  through- 
out  the   year,   and    the   meadows    continued  always 
green."     *     '■'     '''     "There    is    no    province  nor  any 
region  which  is  not  remarkable  for  the  majesty  of  its 
mountains,  the  fniitfulness  of  its  vales,  the  pleasant- 
ness of  its  hills  and  delightful  plains,  with  abundance 
of  fair  rivers  running  through  them.      There  never 
was  any  noisome  animal  found  in  it,  nor  yet  any  raven- 
ing four-footed  beast ;  no  lion  nor  bear,  no  fierce  tigers, 
nor  crafty  foxes,  nor  devouring  wolves,  but  all  things 
blessed  and  fortunate."  *  » 

Columbus  reached  Isabella  on  the  29th  of  March. 
"  The  plants  and  fruits  of  the  *  Old  World,'  which  he 
was  endeavoring  to  introduce  into  the  island,"  says 
Irving,  "  gave  promise  of  rapid  increase.  The  orchards, 
fields,  and  gardens  were  in  a  great  state  of  forward- 
ness. The  seeds  of  various  fruits  had  produced  young 
plants  ;  the  sugar-cane  had  prospered  exceedingly ;  a 
native  vine,  trimmed  and  dressed  with  care,  had  yielded 


%.JM^ 


"  OF  LIFE. 

ughed,  danced  and 
happy  pastoral  to 
)f  these  children  of 
the  rude  lance,  and 
:en  up  against  the 
the  nearer  neigh- 
iiselves  as  to  be  a 
and  that  common 
ions  wild  beast,  was 
with  delectation  to 
^ion  given  from  the 
i  enjoyed  perpetual 
continual  summer 
heir  leaves  through- 
continued  always 
province  nor  any 
r  the  majesty  of  its 
vales,  the  pleasant- 
ins,  with  abundance 
bera.      There  never 
t,  nor  yet  any  raven- 
jear,  no  fierce  tigers, 
)lves,  but  all  things 

the  29th  of  March. 
Id  World,'  which  he 
to  the  island,"  says 
ease.  The  orchards, 
:at  state  of  forward- 
had  produced  young 
ered  exceedingly ;  a 
vith  care,  had  yielded 


RAPID  GROWTH  OF  VEGETATION.        233 

grapes  of  tolerable  flavor,  and  cuttings  from  European 
vines  already  began  to  form  their  clusters.  On  the 
30th  of  March  a  husbandman  brought  to  Columbus 
ears  of  wheat  which  had  been  sown  in  the  latter  part 
of  January.  The  smaller  kind  of  garden  herbs  came 
to  maturity  in  sixteen  days,  and  the  larger  kind,  such 
as  melons,  gourds,  pumpkins,  and  cucumbers,  were  fit 
for  the  table  within  a  month  after  the  seed  had  been 
put  into  the  ground.  The  soil,  moistened  by  brooks 
and  rivers  and  frequent  showers  and  stimulated  by  an 
ardent  sun,  possessed  those  principles  of  quick  and 
prodigal  fecundity  which  surprise  the  strangers,  accus- 
tomed to  less  vigorous  climates." 

Columbus  had  scarcely  reached  Isabella,  when  a 
niessenf,er  was  at  his  heels  from  Fort  St.  Thomas,  bear- 
ing evil  tidings.  Would  the  scenes  of  La  Navidad  be 
re-enacted  ?  Oner  '^ore  his  good  instructions  had  been 
disregarded.  Lus-^  -old  and  for  the  Indian  women 
had  again  betray e  ;  Spaniards  into  such  courses  as 
to  sadly  shake  the  confidence  of  the  natives  in  them  as 
celestial  beings.  Instead  of  their  usual  cordiality, 
therefore,  the  Indians  were  shunning  the  white  man 
and  were  abandoning  their  villages  in  the  neighbor- 
hood, while  evidences  were  not  wanting  that  the  fierce 
and  wily  Caonabo  was  assembling  his  war  forces  among 
the  mountains. 

But  what  had  Columbus  .to  fear  from  these  naked, 
timid  savages  ?  Were  they  not  in  mortal  terror  of  fire- 
arms and  of  his  steel-clad  soldiers  mounted  on  th-ir 
war-horses?  He  would  reinforce  Margarite  with 
twenty  men,  would  send  him  more  bread  and  gun- 
powder ;  this,  with  thirty  men  detailed  to  open  a  road 


'9 


2j^  SICKNESS  OF  THE  COLONY. 

between  Isabella  and  St.  Thomas,  would  suffice  for  the 
safety  of  this  gold-mining  interest. 

Far  more  serious  was  the  outlook  at  Isabella.     The 
humid  climate,  reeking  with  the  malarias  of  the  decay 
of  the  rankest  vegetation  under  a  tropical  sun,  was 
telling  on  the  delicately  reared  constitutions  from  the 
old  soil  of  Europe.     This  infant  city  of  the  New  World, 
founded  in  such  bright  hopes,  was  become  a  hospital 
without  conveniences.     What  was  the  scanty  supply  of 
medicines  and  the  few  physicians  for  such  a  multitude 
shaking  with  chills  and  burning  with  fevers  ?  The  terrible 
emergencies  of  inexperienced  pioneer  life  were  putting 
all   hands,   even  to   hidalgos   and  priests,  under   the 
severest  requisitions  of  hard  labor.      Who,  then,  could 
minister  to  the  wants  of  the  sick,  formerly  accustomed 
to  the  most  delicate  attentions?    Of  the  rather  scanty 
supply  of  provisions,  much  had  spoiled  through  care- 
lessness.     The  whole  community,  therefore,  must  be 
put  on  rations.    The  mind,  too,  was  quite  as  sick  as  the 
body.  A  more  bitterly  disappointed  people  never  existed. 
They  had  left  home  for  the  high  civilization  and  the  lux- 
uries of  the  Orient,  and  had  landed  in  a  wilderness  of 
savages.     By  conquest  and  trade,  they  had  expected  to 
appropriate  every  kind  of  wealth  and  luxury  ready  to 
hand.     But  gold,  the  quantity  doubtful  and  the  qual- 
ity spoken  against,  was  obtainable  only  by  the  labori- 
ous processes  of  the  miner.     The  sparkling  gems,  the 
silken  fabrics,  and  the  costly  spices  were  wholly  want- 
ing—unless it  were  the  fiery  agi-peppers  of  the  natives. 
Even   bread  did  not  exist  in    this  country,  and  the 
hungry,  half-starving,  whether  sick  or  well,  must  sup- 
plement their  mouldy  bread  from  Spain  with  cassava. 


¥ 
f 


'^. 


.OLONT. 

vould  suffice  for  the 

ik  at  Isabella.     The 
alarias  of  the  decay 
a  tropical  sun,  was 
)nstitutions  from  the 
Ly  of  the  New  World, 
ls  become  a  hospital 
the  scanty  supply  of 
for  such  a  multitude 
h  fevers?  The  terrible 
leer  life  were  putting 
d  priests,  under   the 
•.      Who,  then,  could 
formerly  accustomed 
Of  the  rather  scanty 
ipoiled  through  care- 
y,  therefore,  must  be 
as  quite  as  sick  as  the 
i  people  never  existed, 
vilization  and  the  lux- 
led  in  a  wilderness  of 
they  had  expected  to 
and  luxury  ready  to 
oubtful  and  the  qual- 
Dle  only  by  the  labori- 
e  sparkling  gems,  the 
ces  were  wholly  want- 
peppers  of  the  natives. 
;his  country,  and  the 
ick  or  well,  must  sup- 
in  Spain  with  cassava, 


HUMILIA  TION  OF  HIDAL  G  OS  AND  FRIA RS.     235 

fish,  and  lizards  till  grain  could  be  grown  and  mills 
built  and  the  baker's  art  flourish  in  the  wilderness. 
Ah !  everything  the  heart  wished  was  on  the  other  side 
of  the  vast  ocean  sea — on  the  other  side  of  the  glob»J 
The  death  of  the  disappointed  and  heart-broken  must 
have  been  a  daily  occurrence.  The  living,  perhaps, 
even  envied  the  dying.  The  Spaniard  of  high-blood, 
with  blistered  hands  and  sun-burnt  brow,  in  the  toil  and 
moil  of  digging  and  building,  cursed  the  day  when  he 
left  the  sure  advantages  of  old  Spain  for  the  phantom 
hopes  of  this  new  country. 

And  who  was  the  cause  of  ail  of  this  incurable 
misery  ?  This  upstart  foreigner — this  "  gay  deceiver  " 
— now  Admiral,  and  would-be  king  of  a  new  realm  at 
the  cost  of  the  treasure  and  the  best  blood  of  Spain  ! 
Some  of  the  gay  young  hidalgos  refuse  to  fall  into  the 
ranks  of  laboring  men,  and  Friar  Buil  is  indignant  that 
he  and  his  household  must  needs  submit  to  limited 
rations  of  mouldy  bread,  along  with  the  common  people. 
But  this  Genoese  is  a  severe  disciplinarian,  and,  without 
partiality  or  pity,  demands  that  "  If  any  man  will  not 
work,  neither  shall  he  eat,"  and  in  the  privations  of  the 
colony  there  shall  be  no  "  respect  of  persons." 

No  degree  of  resolution  could  close  the  eyes  of  the 
Admiral  to  the  perils  of  his  situation.  While  he  was  a 
comparative  stranger  in  Spain,  many  of  these  malcon- 
tents had  influence,  and  might  readily  turn  the  tide  of 
royal  and  public  favor  against  him  and  his  enterprise. 
Some  diversion  of  the  community,  therefore,  must  at 
once  be  brought  about  in  order  to  avert  imminent  dan- 
ger. To  this  end  he  planned  a  sort  of  military  and 
exploring  expedition  to  the  interior.      Ojeda  was  to 


I 


fe 


2,6  INSTRUCTIONS  OF  MARGARITE. 

relieve  Margarite  at  Fort  St.  Thomas,  and  the  latter  was 
to  lead  out  all  who  could  possibly  be  spared  from  busi- 
ness and  the  care  of  the  sick,  which  proved  to  be  two 
hundred  and  fifty  with  the  cross-bow,  one  hundred  and 
ten  with  arquebuses,  and  sixteen  horsemen  with 
lances,  all  of  which  were  led  by  twenty  officers.  This 
commander,  at  once  knight  and  nobleman,  might  surely 
be   trusted  to   explore   Cibao   and  other  parts  of  the 

island.  '  ' 

Columbus's  letter  of  instructions  to  him  discovers 
his  usual  sagacity.     While  the  Indians  should  be  com- 
pelled to  respect  the  rights  of  property  vested  in  the 
white  men,  and  should  be  duly  punished  for  every 
kind  of  theft,  they  themselves  must  be  treated  with 
the  utmost  justice  and  discretion,  and  must  be  pro- 
tected  from   insult,   their   confidence   and   friendship 
being  thus  secured.     When  the  army  needed  supplies 
these  must  be  purchased  regularly  by  one  appointed 
by  the  Admiral.     If  the  natives  refused  to  sell,  mak- 
ing it  necessary  to  take  the  provisions  by   force,  it 
must  be  done  gently,  even  with  kindness  and  caresses. 
Individual  traffic  with  them  must  be  forbidden  lest  the 
privilege    be    abused.      It  must  always  be  borne  in 
mind  that  the  sovereigns  are  mOre  desirous  of  the  con- 
version of  the  Indians  than  of  any  riches  to  be  derived 
from  them.      The  army  must  be  kept  together  and 
under  thorough  discipline,  thus  guarding  against  tne 
savages,  who,  though  cowardly  indeed,  might  become 
very  treacherous  and  cruel. 

As  to  Caonabo  and  his  brothers,  they  were  artful 
and  dangerous,  and  if  the  utmost  deceit  and  strategy 
of  war  were  necessary  to  their  capture,  these  might  be 


mi^^?m:^^msii^^^f^>^*^' 


^GARITE. 

s,  and  the  latter  was 
le  spared  from  busi- 
h  proved  to  be  two 
w,  one  hundred  and 
:u  horsemen  with 
enty  officers.  This 
ileman,  might  surely 
other  parts  of  the 

IS  to  him  discovers 
lians  should  be  com- 
operty  vested  in  the 
punished  for  every 
ust  be  treated  with 
Q,  and  must  be  pro- 
nce   and   friendship 
my  needed  supplies, 
jr  by  one  appointed 
efused  to  sell,  mak- 
•visions  by   force,  it 
ndness  and  caresses, 
be  forbidden  lest  the 
always  be  borne  in 
1  desirous  of  the  con- 
j  riches  to  be  derived 
t  kept  together  and 
guarding  against  the 
iideed,  might  become 

lers,  they  were  artful 
t  deceit  and  strategy 
pture,  these  might  be 


STEALING  THE  CLOTHES. 


237 


considered  justifiable  in  the  case  of  foes  so  sanguinary 

and  dangerous.  ,.    ,    , 

The  march  of  Ojeda's  miniature  army— a  little  less 
than  four  hundred— to  Fort  St.  Thomas  was  not  with- 
out incident.      On  reaching  the  Vega  Real  he  found 
that  three  Spaniards,  on  their  return  from  the  fort  in 
the  mountains,  had  been  .robbed  by  five  Indians  sent 
as  guides  by  a  cacique  in  the  neighborhood.     These 
Indians,  attempting  to  carry  the  white  men's  clothes 
over  the  river  at  the  ford,  turned  back  when  about  ha  f 
way   across,   taking    the    clothes   with    them.      The 
cacique,  instead  of  punishing  them,  appropriated  the 
clothes  and  refused  to  restore  them.     Ojeda  captured 
one  of  the  offenders  and  brought  him  to  the  public 
square— so  common  to  the  Indian  village— and  had  his 
ears  cut  off  in  true  Spanish  style.     Then  arresting  the 
cacique,  with  his  son  and  nephew,  sent  them  in  chains 
to  Isabella,  according  to  the  summary  military  method 

of  that  day.  ,         r  • 

The  terrified  prisoners  were  followed  by  a  friendly 
cacique,  who  pleaded  for  their  forgiveness  on  the  ground 
of  some  kindness  which  he  had  formerly  shown  the 
Spaniards.     The  Admiral  appeared  deaf  to  entreaty, 
and  ordered  the  prisoners  to  the  public  square,  their 
hands  bound  behind  them,  their  crime  to  be  publicly 
proclaimed  and  their  heads  struck  off     Pwhaps  the 
execution  was  not  intended  to  take  place,  but  merely 
a  sufficient  scare  of  the  poor  savages  to  deter  them 
from  further  theft.     At  the  place  appointed  for  the 
execution  the   assurances   for   good  conduct    in   the 
future  and   the   tearful   entreaties   of  the  mediating 
cacique  were  so  moving  as  to  make  it  easy  for  :he 


I 


238 


COWARDICE  OF  THE  INDIANS. 


The   lives 


Admiral   to  exercise    clemency, 
ofifenders  were  spared. 

Before  the  parties  had  time  to  disperse,  a  horseman 
arrived  from  St.  Thomas,  who  affirmed  that  in  passing 
the  house  of  the  cacique  whose  fault  had  just  been 
condoned  he  had  rescued  five  Spaniards  who  had  been 
taken  by  the  natives,  over  four  hundred  of  them  flee 
ing  at  the  sight  of  his  horse.  Surely  there  was  not 
much  to  fear  from  this  sort  of  people,  as  long,  at  least, 
as  horses  could  be  had. 


-■■^iigiarfEga^jaag-Sfiavsasa^as^r- 


fNDIANS. 

The   lives   of   the 


sperse, 


a  horseman 


ned  that  in  passing 
mlt  had  just  been 
iards  who  had  been 
ndred  of  them  flee 
rely  there  was  not 
lie,  as  long,  at  least, 


CHAPTER  XII. 

THE  SOUTH   SIDE  OF  CUBA   EXPLORED. 

I E  are  unfavorably  impressed  with  the  over- 
mastering  passion   of  Columbus   for  gold. 
'*  The  excellence  and  power  of  the  gold  of 
Ophir,"    he   says,   "cannot    be    described;    he  who 
possesses  it  does  what  he  will  in  this  world ;  nay,  it 
even  enables  him  to  draw  souls  from  purgatory  to  para- 
dise."    But  we  must  not  conceive  of  him  as  standing 
alone  in  his  ardent  search  for  the  precious  metal.    The 
sovereigns  of  Spain,  and,  indeed,  the  whole  Spanish 
nation,  were  clamoring  at  his  back  for  gold,  and  in 
the   astonishing  sentence    above   quoted  he   simply 
mirrored  the  sentiment  of  his  age.     After  locating  his 
colony,  his  next  enterprise  had  been   to  build  the 
fortress  St.  Thomas,  in  the  regions  of  the  gold-mines 
of  Cibao,  in  order   to  develop  that  mining  interest. 
Next  to  the  accumulation  of  gold  the  great  desidera- 
tum  with    Columbus   and    his   sovereigns   was    the 
further  exploration  of  the  new  country.     Portugal  had 
reached  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and  would  be  crowd- 
ing all  sail  for  India.     Columbus,  having  taken  the 
more  direct  route  to  the  westward,  supposed  that  he 
was  already  in  India.     Which  nation,  then,  would  be 
able  to  appropriate  the  greater  part  of  this  much- 
desired  country — this  golden  dream  of  the  age  ?    By 
all  means,  the  Admiral  must  push  directly  for  the  heart 
of  India — for  the  seat  of  the  Grand  Khan. 


240  rtlE  RICHES  OF  CA  THA  T. 

First,  however,  the  good  order  of  things  at  Isabella 
must  be  secured.  Hence  Diego,  the  brother  of 
Columbus,  is  placed  at  the  head  of  affairs,  as  president 
of  a  council,  of  which  Father  Buil  and  three  others 
arc  members. 

Three  of  the  smaller  vessels,  caravels,  are  fitted  up 
for  the  exploration  of  the  south  side  of  Cuba,  as  this 
immense  territory  is  supposed  to  be  an  extension  of 
the  mainland  of  India.  Cathay,  the  supposed  name 
of  a  city  and  also  of  a  province,  was  the  part  of  the 
dominion  of  the  Grand  Khan  in  quest,  which,  "  as 
described  by  John  de  Mandeville  and  others  who  have 
seen  it,"  says  Bernaldez,  "  is  the  richest  province  in 
the  world  and  the  most  abundant  in  gold  and  silver 
and  the  other  metals  and  silks." 

The  two  larger  vessels  were  left  in  the  harbor,  as 
they  might   be   inconvenient   for   entering   bays  and 
rivers.     April  24th,  i494,  the  little  fleet  put  out  to  the 
westward.     The    Admiral   called   at   the   site   of  La 
Navidad,  hoping  for  an  interview  with  Guacanagari, 
but  the  chieftain  seemed  to  be  shunning  him.     On 
the  29th  he  made  for  the  shores  of  Cuba.     Having 
reached  the   eastern  end  of  that   island,  he   coasted 
westward  along  the  south  side.-   Some  twenty  leagues 
forward  he  entered  a  grand  harbor.     A  narrow,  wind- 
ing, deep  channel  led  to  a  beautiful  sheet  of  water, 
resembling   a  lake   surrounded   by  mountains.     The 
great  tropical  forest  which  clothed  the  long  reaches  of 
ascent  were  laden  alike  with  blossoms  and  with  fruit. 
"  In  this  country,"  says  Bernaldez,  *'  the  trees  and  plants 
bear  fruit  twice  in  the  year,  and  from  the  fruits  a  most 
delicious  odor  arose,  which  could  be  perceived  at  some 


*. 


>>,., 


I T/JA  r. 

)f  things  at  Isabella 

fo,   the    brother    of 

affairs,  as  president 

il  and  three  others 

ravels,  are  fitted  up 

iide  of  Cuba,  as  this 

be  an  extension  of 

the  supposed  name 

was  the  part  of  the 

n  quest,  which,  "  as 

and  others  who  have 

richest  province  in 

in  gold  and  silver 

eft  in  the  harbor,  as 

entering   bays  and 

e  fleet  put  out  to  the 

at   the   site   of  La 

\}  with  Guacanagari, 

shunning  him.     On 

s  of  Cuba.     Having 

t  island,  he   coasted 

Some  twenty  leagues 

or.     A  narrow,  wind- 

itiful  sheet  of  water, 

by  mountains.     The 

d  the  long  reaches  of 

>ssoms  and  with  fruit. 

,  "  the  trees  and  plants 

rom  the  fruits  a  most 

i  be  perceived  at  some 


THE  INDIAN  BANQUET. 


24t 


distance  on  the  water.  There  were  no  habitations  in 
this  harbor,  but  as  they  went  in  they  saw  several  fires 
burning  close  to  the  water,  and  a  dog  and  two  beds,  but 
no  men.  They  landed,  and  found  more  than  four 
quintals  of  fish  upon  spits  before  the  fires,  and  rabbits 
and  two  serpents,  and  very  near  they  saw  at  the  foot  of 
the  trees  in  many  places  a  great  many  serpents,  the 
most  nasty,  hideous,  ugly  creatures  that  any  human 
being  ever  saw,  all  with  their  mouths  sewed  up.  They 
were  all  of  the  color  of  dry  wood,  the  skin  of  the  whole 
body  very  much  wrinkled,  especially  on  the  head,  where 
it  came  down  over  the  eyes,  which  were  terribly  ven- 
omous, and  all  were  covered  with  very  hard  shells  like 
■scales  of  a  fish,  and  from  the  head  to  the  end  of  the 
tail,  along  the  middle  of  the  body,  were  long  ugly  pro- 
jections, sharp  as  points  of  diamonds."  As  may  be 
seen  from  the  writer's  own  statements,  these  were  not 
serpents,  but  the  famous  iguana,  still  a  noted  article  of 
food  in  those  parts. 

This  banquet,  preparing  in  so  romantic  a  spot,  had 
been  suddenly  abandoned  at  the  strange  sight  of  the 
ships.    What  could  this  frightful  ocean  phantom  be  ? 

The  hungry  Spaniards  fell  upon  the  savory  feast. 
The  fish  and  the  rabbit-like  uttas  they  devoured  with  the 
utmost  relish,  but  those  huge  lizard-shaped  iguanas! 
Who  but  an  Indian  could  taste  those  ?  And  yet  Peter 
Martyr  tells  us  they  were  to  the  natives  what  pheasants 
and  peacocks  were  to  the  grandees  of  Spain.  A  com- 
mon Indian  did  not  aspire  to  them. 

The  repast  over,  the  Spaniards  rove  about  the  woods 
in  the  vicinity.  Behold,  from  the  top  of  yonder  high 
rock  the  curious  eyes  of  some  seventy  natives  look 


ill 

& 


f 


242  CONCIHATINC.    THE  INnlA^S. 

down  upon  them.     As  the  rosy-faced  strangers  attempt 
to  approach  them  the  multitude  vanishes  in  the  thick 
woods  and  in  the  gorges  of  the  mountains.     No ;  there 
is  one  whose  curiosity  is  too  much  for  him.     He  lingers 
alwut,  gazing  at  the  strangers  and  won  by  their  friendly 
pantomimes.     The  Lucayan  interpreter  advances  with 
his  usual  good  word  for  the  white  men.     He  is  under- 
stood, and  the  native  runs  to  tell  the  good  news  to  his 
people.     Now  they  all  come  pouring  down   from  the 
rocks  and  defiles  of  the  forests  in  the  most  confident 
and  respectful   manner.     Through  the  Lucayan  they 
explain  their  enterprise  to  Columbus.     Their  cacique  is 
about  to  entertain  a  neighboring  cacique,  and  has  sent 
them   to   procure  the   banquet,   which  they   are   now 
making  ready  for  transportation.     The  fishes  and  meats 
will  not  spoil  so  readily  after  being  roasted.     But  what 
will  they  do  now  after  the  ravages  which  the  Spaniards 
have  made?    Oh !  that  is  a  mere  trifle.  One  night's  fish- 
ing will  replace  all.     The  Admiral  insists,  however,  on 
making  compensation,  and  shaking  hands  in  European 
style,  they  part  in  the  happiest  mood.     "  He  inquired 
of  the  Indians,"  says  Bernaldez,  "  whether  it  (Cuba)  was 
an  island  or  a  continent,  but  they  are  a  stupid  race,  who 
think  that  all  the  world  is  an  island,  and  do  not  know 
what  a  continent  is ;  who  have  no  written  language  nor 
records  of  antiquity,  and  delight  in  nothing  else  but  in 
eating  and  in  women  ;  and  so  they  said  that  it  was  an 
island,  though  some  said  it  was  an  island  which  he 
could  not  sail  around  in  forty  moons. 

"  The  next  day,  before  sunrise,  the  Admiral  set  sail 
from  this  place,  towards  the  west,  following  the  coast  of 
the  country,  which  they  saw  to  be  very  beautiful  and 


% 


fND/ANS. 

d  strangers  attempt 
uiishcs  in  the  thick 
mtains.  No;  there 
or  him.  He  lingers 
won  by  their  friendly 
preter  advances  with 

men.  He  is  nnder- 
the  good  news  to  his 
ring  down  from  the 
I  the  most  confident 
1  the  Lncayan  they 
us.  Their  cacique  is 
:acique,  and  has  sent 
vhicii  they   are   now 

The  fishes  and  meats 
g  roasted.     But  what 
,  which  the  Spaniards 
ifle.  One  night's  fish- 
1  insists,  however,  on 
ig  hands  in  Enropean 
nood.     "He  inquired 
whether  it  (Cnba)  was 
are  a  stupid  race,  who 
md,  and  do  not  know 
1  written  language  nor 
in  nothing  else  but  in 
;y  said  that  it  was  an 
,  an  island  which  he 
3ns. 

,  the  Admiral  set  sail 
,  following  the  coast  of 
be  very  beautiful  and 


BEAUTY  OF  THE  COirNTRY. 


243 


thickly  settled.  As  they  perceived  the  vessels,  greal 
numbers  of  men  and  boys,  small  and  great,  came  run- 
ning to  the  shore  to  see  them,  bringing  bread  and  other 
things  to  eat,  showing  the  bread  and  gourds  full  of 
water,  and  crying,  'Eat,  take,  people  from  heaven!' 
They  asked  them  to  land  and  go  to  their  houses,  and 
some  came  in  their  canoes  for  the  same  purpose.  In 
this  way  they  sailed  along  until  they  came  to  a  gull 
where  there  was  a  vast  number  of  villages,  and  the 
lands  and  fields  all  looked  like  the  most  beautiful  gar- 
dens in  the  world,  the  land  being  elevated  and  moun- 
tainous." Here  the  Spaniards  spend  a  night,  and  the 
natives,  with  their  usual  kindness,  overwhelm  them 
with  hospitality. 

But  how  about  gold  ?  Where  was  it  to  be  found? 
In  a  great  island  to  the  south,  say  the  Indians.  This 
may  be  Babeque,  for  which  the  Admiral  searched  so 
diligently  in  his  former  voyage  along  the  north  side  ot 
Cuba.  And  still  the  natives  pointed  to  the  great  island 
in  the  south  as  the  place  where  the  Spaniards  might 
find  gold.  This  was  too  much  for  the  Admiral.  He 
turned  his  prows  out  into  the  wide  ocean.  May  23d,  in 
hope  of  finding  the  gold  region. 

It  was  not  long  before  the  unmistakable  signs  of 
land  appeared  in  the  horizon.  But  the  ships  made 
slow  progress,  and  it  was  two  days  and  nights  before  the 
cloud-like  mountain-tops  were  converted  into  terra  firma, 
with  the  usual  enchanting  'scenery  of  mountains,  vales, 
rivers,  harbors,  and  multitudes  of  natives— all  await- 
ing possession. 

But  what  a  scene  is  here !  A  fleet  of  some  seventy 
canoes,  bristling  with  savages  painted  in  all  colors, 


9^; 


H 


I 


i 


244 


ON  THE   WAR-PA  TH. 


feather-decorated,  brandishing  their  lances  and  yell 
ing  as  if  to  tear  their  throats,  is  flying  out  towards  th< 
ships.  One  of  the  canoes  ventures  nearer  than  th< 
rest,  so  near  that  the  Lucayan  can  address  the  inmates 
Kind  words  and  a  few  presents  conciliate  the  whoh 
company,  so  that  the  Admiral's  ships  move  on  unmo 
lested. 

The  vessels  cast  anchor  in  a  harbor  about  midwaj 
along  the  north  shore  of  Jamaica.     "  The  gardens  o 
Valencia  are  not  to  be  compared  to  any  part  of  thi; 
whole   island,"    says    Bernaldez,    *'  so    the    Admira 
named  the  harbor  '  Santa  Gloria.'  "     At  daybreak  th^ 
next  morning  they  were  under  way  again,  in  searcl 
of  a  harbor  sufficiently  sheltered  to  enable  the  Admira 
to  careen  and  caulk  his  ship,  which  was  leaking  badly 
A  good  harbor  was  soon  found,  but  when  a  boat  wa; 
sent  towards  it  two  large  canoes  met  them  in  a  mos 
hostile   manner.      They  did  not  come  near  enough 
howeVer,  to   reach   the   Spaniards   with    their    shar] 
wooden  lances  which  they  hurled  so  furiously.     Th 
boat  returned,  and,  as  the  water  was  so  deep,  the  shi 
entered  and  cast  anchor.      At  once  the  entire  beac 
became    a    lively    scene.       A    multitude   of   painte 
savages,  mostly  black,  but  exhibiting  also  a  variety 
colors,  some  partly  dressed  in  palm  leaves,  all  more 
less  decked  out  with  feathers,  rent  the  air  with  thei 
war-whoops,  and  hurled  their  javelins  at  the  ships. 

This  cannot  be  tolerated.  These  savages  must 
made  to  respect  the  power  of  the  white  men.  A  boa 
load  of  well-armed  men  makes  towards  the  shore,  au 
discharging  a  shower  of  arrows  from  their  cross-bow 
thus  wounding  several  of  the  natives,  the  painted  ho; 


i-PA  TH. 

their  lances  and  yell- 
is  flying  out  towards  the 
ntures  nearer  than  the 
can  address  the  inmates, 
its  conciliate  the  whole 
I's  ships  move  on  unnio- 

1  a  harbor  about  midway 
laica.  "  The  gardens  of 
red  to  any  part  of  this 
dez,  "so  the  Admiral 
ria.'"  At  daybreak  th? 
er  way  again,  in  search 
-ed  to  enable  the  Admiral 
which  was  leaking  badly, 
md,  but  when  a  boat  was 
.noes  met  them  in  a  most 

not  come  near  enough, 
liards  with  their  sharp 
urled  so  furiously.  The 
iter  was  so  deep,  the  ship 
\X.  once  the  entire  beach 
K  multitude  of  painted 
:hibiting  also  a  variety  of 
I  palm  leaves,  all  more  or 
,,  rent  the  air  with  their 
•  javelins  at  the  ships. 
These  savages  must  be 

the  white  men.  A  boat- 
:es  towards  the  shore,  and 
ws  from  their  cross-bows, 
;  natives,  the  painted  host 


THE  INDIANS  SCATTERED. 


245 


retreats  pell-mell  into  the  forests.  The  Spaniards 
pursue  with  their  deadly  flights  of  arrows,  "and  a 
dog  which  had  leaped  from  one  of  the  vessels  followed 
them,"  says  Bernaldez,  "  and  bit  them ;  for  one  dog 
against  the  Indians  is  worth  ten  men."  This  treat- 
ment brought  the  poor  savages  to  terms.  Columbus 
was  allowed  to  land  and  take  peaceful  possession  of  the 
island,  which  he  named  Santiago.  Happily,  the  pretty 
Indian  name,  Jamaica,  has  been  retained.  The  beauti- 
ful harbor,  shaped  like  a  horseshoe,  is  called  Puerto 
Bueno. 

The  remainder  of  the  day  everything  was  perfectly 
quiet.  The  next  morning,  before  sunrise,  six  Indians 
were  seen  making  friendly  gestures  on  the  shore. 
They  had  been  sent  by  the  caciques  to  make  overtures 
of  peace  with  the  strangers.  The  Admiral  responded 
most  cordially,  and  the  usual  trinkets  were  sent  to  the 
chieftains.  This  proved  conciliating.  Very  soon  the 
shore  swarmed  with  the  painted  multitudes.  This 
time  they  brought  provisions — articles  similar  to  those 
brought  by  the  natives  of  the  other  islands,  but  of 
better  quality. 

There  were  now  three  days  of  friendly  intercourse 
and  trade.  As  the  Spaniards  studied  these  savages, 
they  came  to  regard  them  as  decidedly  in  advance  of 
the  inhabitants  of  the  neighboring  islands.  They 
were  quite  at  home  on  the  sea.  "They  have  more 
canoes  here,"  says  Bernaldez,  "and  larger  than  in 
any  other  region  hitherto  discovered,  each  made  in 
one  piece  from  the  trunk  of  a  tree,  and  each  cacique  in 
all  that  neighborhood  has  a  large  canoe,  which  he 
takes  as  much  p'.de  in    using   as  a  nobleman   here 


246 


CANOES  AND  TRAFFIC. 


would  take  in  keeping  a  large  and  beautiful  ship. 
They  have  them  wrought  from  stem  to  stern  with  va- 
rious figures  and  paintings,  so  that  their  beauty  is 
admirable.  The  Admiral  measured  one  of  the  large 
ones,  which  was  96  feet  long  and  8  feet  wide." 

These  people  were  also  quite  warlike  in  their  dis- 
position and  habits,  thus  resembling  the  Caribs,  All 
their  utensils  were  after  the  same  pattern  as  those 
found  in  the  other  islands,  but  they  were  of  better 
workmanship. 

As  the  ships  proceeded  along  the  coast  to  the  west- 
ward, the  natives  were  constantly  coming  out  in  their 
canoes  to  greet  them  and  to  keep  up  their  kind  of 
traffic.  Beads,  bells,  and  red  caps  were  all  celestial 
articles  in  their  estimation,  and  far  exceeded  in  value 
the  cassava-bread,  fish,  fruits,  and  water— all  of  which 
was  alike  common  with  them.  When  the  squadron 
reached  the  west  end  of  the  island,  the  wind  being 
favorable  to  a  direct  course  to  Cuba,  and  there  being 
no  very  flattering  prospects  of  gold  in  Jamaica,  it  was 
decided  to  make  for  the  former  shore,  it  being  regarded, 
of  course,  as  a  part  of  the  mainland  of  Asia. 

How  we  wish  we  knew  more  about  that  enterprising 
Indian  youth  who  begged  the  privilege  of  sailing  with 
the  Admiral.  As  "  every  human  heart  is  human,"  his 
relatives  were  distressed  at  his  adventure ;  but,  resolv- 
ing to  evade  the  tearful  entreates  of  his  sisters,  he 
hid  himself  away  in  one  of  the  ships.  We  hope  he 
was   treated   with   special   kindness,  as   the   Admiral 

directed. 

May  1 8th  Columbus  reached  Cuba.     The  cacique  of 
the  village  where  he  landed  had  long  since  heard  of 


•:  «>^injiMdBi<»iin'U., 


nd  beautiful  ship, 
m  to  stern  with  va- 
it  their  beauty  is 
d  one  of  the  large 
feet  wide." 
irlike  in  their  dis- 
ig  the  Caribs,  All 
t  pattern  as  those 
hey  were  of  better 

le  coast  to  the  west- 
coming  out  in  their 
)  up  their  kind  of 
;  were  all  celestial 
exceeded  in  value 
water — all  of  which 
A^hen  the  squadron 
ad,  the  wind  being 
ja,  and  there  being 
i  in  Jamaica,  it  was 
■e,  it  being  regarded, 
i  of  Asia. 

)ut  that  enterprising 
ilege  of  sailing  with 
heart  is  human,"  his 
venture ;  but,  resolv- 
;s  of  his  sisters,  he 
ships.  We  hope  he 
!ss,  as   the   Admiral 

iba.     The  cacique  of 
long  since  heard  of 


A  SEA   OF  ISLANDS. 


247 


him.  Indeed,  the  intelligence  of  his  former  visit  on 
the  other  side  of  the  island  seems  to  have  spread  quite 
generally,  so  that  the  Spaniards  were  now  anticipated 
at  every  point  as  wonderful  beings  come  down  from 

the  skies. 

As  the  ships  sailed  westward  they  found  the  shoie 
bending  to  the  northeast  for  many  leagues,  then  west 
again,  thus  forming  an  immense  bay.  Here  the  water 
was  shallow  and  there  was  a  most  terrific  thunder- 
storm. The  situation  was  perplexing,  for  in  such  thun- 
der and  lightning  one  should  strike  sail,  and  yet  the 
shoal  water  required  the  sails  to  be  spread.  Fortu- 
nately, the  storm  was  soon  over. 

Now  the  shoals,  sand-banks,  and  small  islands  became 
so  numerous  as  to  make  sailing  very  difficult,  and  the 
sailor  at  the  mast-head  proclaimed  a  sea  of  islands 
stretching  away  to  the  horizon.    Some  were  mere  sand- 
banks, others   were   green   and    treeless,  and   others, 
especially  those   near   the   shore,  were   clothed  with 
forests  grand  as  those  of  the  adjacent  shores.     The 
Admiral  undertook  to  give  a  name  to  each  island,  but 
the  number  was  so  immense— 160  counted  in  one  day — 
that  he  was  content  to  name  the  mass  the  Queen's 
Gardens.     Would  it  not  be  well  to  sail  outside  of  this 
archipelago?     But  did  not  Sir  John  Mandeville  and 
Marco  Polo  number  the    islands  along  the   coast  of 
Asia  by   the   thousands?     Surely  he   must   now   be 
among  them ;  hence  it  would  not  be  wise  to  diverge 
from  the  shore,  which  must  be  Cathay,  the  territory  of 
the  Grand  Khan.     How  like  fairy-land,  and  therefore 
how  like  the  supposed  India,  these  verdant  islands  were. 
Those  sweet  odors  borne  on  every  breeze  surely  sug- 


'fs 


11 


i;  1' 


If- 


248 


HARD  SAILING. 


gested  the  land  of  spices.  Here  was  the  luxuriant 
foliage  and  the  magnificent  flora  of  the  tropics.  The 
stately  groups  of  flamingoes  clad  in  bright  scarlet, 
and  the  tortoises  coming  from  an  ^%%  not  unlike  that 
of  a  hen  and  growing  to  the  size  of  a  soldier's  buckler, 
all  reminders  of  the  grandeur  of  the  Orient 


ai 


3ut  the  navigation  is  exceedingly  diflicult.  Now 
the  keels  of  the  ships  grate  on  the  sand,  now  thump 
against  rocks,  and  now  a  counter-current  fairly  turns 
the  small  crafts  about.  They  sail  successively  to  every 
point  of  the  compass.  Every  foot  of  the  way  must  be 
tested.  The  man  at  the  roundtop  must  keep  a  sharp 
lookout  every  minute,  the  lead  must  be  thrown  con- 
tinually, and  not  infrequently  the  channel  becomes  so 
narrow  that  the  sails  must  be  dropped  and  the  vessels 
towed  on  by  means  of  the  row-boats  ;  and  still  they  ran 
aground,  and  were  gotten  oflF  with  great  labor. 

The  weather,  too,  was  very  peculiar.  At  sunrise 
the  wind  blew  from  the  east,  and  it  followed  the  course 
of  that  great  luminary  throughout  the  day.  At  sunset 
it  was  calm.  But  very  soon  thunder-clouds  gathered, 
with  sheets  of  lightning  and  rumbling  in  the  distance. 
As  the  moon  arose  a  breeze  came  oflF  the  land  scatter- 
ing these  threatening  cloud-banks  with  a  mere  shower. 
This  order  of  phenomena  was  an  every-day  occur- 
rence. 

But  while  vegetable  life  of  the  greatest  variety  and 
beauty  abounds  in  these  islands,  and  birds  of  the  most 
brilliant  plumage  and  those  charming  in  song  are 
multitudinous,  neither  voice  nor  form  of  any  human 
being  is  to  be  discovered.  For  days  they  sail  amidst 
a  magnificent  solitude.     At  length,  on  the  2 2d  of  May, 


NOVEL  FISHING. 


249 


was  the  luxuriant 
f  the  tropics.  The 
I  in  bright  scarlet, 
-gg  not  unlike  that 

a  soldier's  buckler, 
Dt"  the  Orient. 
gly  difficult.  Now 
e  sand,  now  thump 
current  fairly  turns 
iuccessively  to  every 
of  the  way  must  be 

must  keep  a  sharp 
ust  be  thrown  con- 
channel  becomes  so 
iped  and  the  vessels 
s  ;  and  still  they  ran 
great  labor, 
culiar.  At  sunrise 
:  followed  the  course 
the  day.  At  sunset 
der-clouds  gathered, 
iling  in  the  distance. 
oflF  the  land  scatter- 
with  a  mere  shower, 
an   every-day  occur- 

greatest  variety  and 
.nd  birds  of  the  most 
irming  in  song  are 
form  of  any  human 
ays  they  sail  amidst 
1,  on  the  2 2d  of  May, 


they  find  human  habitations  on  one  of  the  islands,  but 
they  are  completely  deserted.  As  usual,  the  Indians 
have  fled  in  terror  at  the  strange  sight  of  the  ships. 
Let  us  tarry  for  a  few  moments  in  these  remote  habi- 
tations of  the  American  savage.  Here  is  an  abundance 
of  fish,  that  staple  article  of  food  with  primitive 
man.  Outside  are  piles  of  "  kitchen  middens," 
mostly  tortoise  shells.  As  living  domestic  appur- 
tenances, here  are  tame  parrots  chattering  and  flamin- 
goes stalking  about.  Those  dumb  dogs,  found  else- 
where as  we  have  seen,  are  being  fattened  for  food, 
and  are  as  savory  to  the  Spaniards  as  "kids  in 
Castile." 

As  they  go  on  they  discover  the  natives  in  the  act  of 
fishing,  and  very  remarkable,  indeed,  is  the  process. 
Somewhat  after  the  manner  of  ancient  falconry,  they 
are  making  one  kind  of  fish  catch  other  kinds.     The 
Histoire  claiming  to  be  written  by  Fernando  Columbus 
says :  "  They  had  tied  some  small  fishes  they  call  reves 
by  the  tail,  which  run  themselves  against  other  fishes, 
and  with  a  certain  roughness  which  they  have  from 
the  head  to  the  middle  of  the  back  they  stick  so  fast 
to  the  next  fish  they  meet  that  when  the  Indians  perceive 
it,  drawing  their  line,  they  draw  them  both  together, 
and  it  was  a  tortoise  our  men  saw  so  taken  by  these 
fishermen,  that  fish  clinging  about  the  neck  of  it,  where 
they  generally  fasten,  being  by  that  means  safe  from 
the  other  fish  biting  them. '  I  have  seen  them  fasten 
upon  vast  sharks."    This  mode  of  fishing  has  been 
reported  by  other  navigators,  and  occurs  also  in  other 
parts  of  the  world — for  instance,  at  Mozambique,  on  the 
east  coast  of  Africa,  and  at  Madagascar.     The  "  rough- 


?t 


i 


* , 


IJ 


Isi 


Sim 

H 


250        INTELLIGENCE  OF  THE  NATIVES. 

ness  "  which  these  capturinp:  fishes  have  "  from  the 
head  to  the  middle  of  the  back"  is  said  to  consist  of 
suckers,  which  become  attached  to  the  throat  of  the 
fish  to  be  caught,  or  the  under  shell  of  a  tortoise,  and 
adhere  so   firmly  that  very  large  game  may  thus  be 

secured. 

When  the  natives  were  done  fishing  they  came  to 
the  Spaniards  in  the  most  fearless  manner  and  inquired 
what  the3'  were  after.  They  also  offered  them  their 
supply  of  fish  just  taken  and  about  everything  else 
they  had,  but  Columbus  was  content  with  taking 
simply  the  fish,  for  which  he  paid  them. 

Wearied  with  the  difficulties  of  navigation  in  this 
archipelago,  the  Admiral  at  length  emerged  into  the 
open  sea  and  steered  toward  a  mountainous  part  of  the 
coast  of  Cuba.     Here,  June  3d,  he  found  a  considerable 
village  of  the  natives.     They  were  exceedingly  pacific 
and  communicative.      Columbus   thought  them   even 
more  cordial  than  the  inhabitants  of  the  other  islands. 
They   also   seemed  to   give  special  attention  to  their 
domestic  animals,  which  were  in  better  condition  than 
others  found  in  those  regions.      While  the  crews  took 
in    water,   intercourse   went    on    with    the   venerable 
cpcique  and  other  aged  men  around  him,  and  the  inter- 
view  was  most  impressive.     "  Was  Cuba  an  island  ?   — 
the  most  vital  question  now,  of  course,  with  the  Ad- 
miral.    The  cacique  answered  that  he  was  an  old  man 
and  had  known  other  old  men  in  his  time  who  under- 
stood such  matters,  and  he  had  never  heard  it  said  that 
it  had  any  end.     Others  thought  that  a  ship  could  not 
reach  the  end  of  it  in  forty  moons.     But  the  province 
of  Mangon  lay  just  to  the  westward,  and  there  the 


:<mmm>tm0iim»imim^ti^»'' 


yA  TI VES. 

\  have  ''from  the 
said  to  consist  of 
the  throat  of  the 
I  of  a  tortoise,  and 
ame  may  thus  be 

hing  they  came  to 
inner  and  inquired 
offered  them  their 
Lit  everything  else 
ntent   with   taking 

em. 

navigation  in  this 
I  emerged  into  the 
tainous  part  of  the 
)und  a  considerable 
exceedingly  pacific 
bought  them   even 
f  the  other  islands. 
i  attention  to  their 
itter  condition  than 
hile  the  crews  took 
vith    the   venerable 
him,  and  the  inter- 
3uba  an  island  ?  " — 
ourse,  with  the  Ad- 
;  he  was  an  old  man 
lis  time  who  under- 
siQx  heard  it  said  that 
hat  a  ship  could  not 
But  the  province 
Yard,  and  there  the 


HAPPY  DATS  OF  THE   VOYAGE. 


2tI 


people  could  inform  him  further.  Mangon  :— most 
significant  sound  to  the  ear  of  the  Admiral.  That 
must  be  "  Mangi " !  the  celebrated  province  of  the 
Grand  Khan.  He  must  know  all  about  Mangon.  And 
right  well  can  these  natives  inform  him.  They  know 
that  these  people  of  Mangon  have  tails,  and  wear  long 
garments  to  cover  them  up.  vVhy  else  should  they 
wear  clothing  ?  Surely  there  was  nothing  in  nature 
of  which  to  be  ashamed  ?  How  striking !  Did  not 
Sir  John  Mandeville  say  that  the  inhabitants  of  Mangi 
had  tails,  and  so,  contrary  to  the  custom  of  their  rude 
neighbors,  wore  long  clothing  ?  vSurely  now  he  must 
]>e  approaching  Tartary ! 

After  being  well  feasted  on  the  fat  pigeons  furnished 
by  the   natives,   the    squadron    sailed   away   into   an 
immense   stretch   of    open    sea   along  the   charming 
mountainous  coast.     Everything  was  now  bright  with 
hope.     These  illusive  hours  constituted  some  of  the 
most  gala-days  of  poor  Columbus.     Each. day  repeats 
the  same  delectations.     The  ever-varying  landscape  of 
mountain,  valley,  river,  and  peaceful  Indian  village  is 
on  the  right.     The  clear,  dark  sea,  dark  because  of  its 
great  depth,  reaches  away  to  the  iiorizon  on  the  left. 
At   every   headland   and    in   every   bay  the    natives 
anticipate  them.     They  come  out  in  their  swift  canoes 
laden  with  fruits  and  the  good  things  of  the  land  gen- 
erally.    They  even  swim  out  to  the  ships  in  order  to 
meet  these  people  from  heaven.     The  evening  breezes, 
with  their  soft  showers,  bring  sweet  odors  from  the 
land,  and  the  still  sweeter  songs  of  the  jubilant  villagers, 
feasting  and  dancing  at  this  great  event  of  the  arrival 
of  the  ships  from  the  skies.     The  Admiral  is  living  in 


w 

V 
<  I 


252 


FRIAR  OF  ST.  MART  OF  MERC'/. 


irfi 


the    very  tliird  heaven  of  hope    and   joy,  the  balmy 
nights  passing  as  if  they  were  but  a  single  hour. 

After  passing  the  beautiful  Gulf  of  Xagua,  they  sail 
into  water  white  as  milk,  from  the  fine  sand  kept  afloat 
by  the  agitations  of  the  water.  Then  come  numerous 
islands  again,  as  numerous  as  the  Gardens  of  the 
Queen,  and  the  navigation  is  exceedingly  difficult. 
The  smallest  caravel  going  ahead,  the  rest  follow  with 
the  utmost  caution.  A  caravel,  sent  to  the  main  in 
search  of  water,  reports  the  shores  low  and  muddy,  and 
the  trees  so  thick  that  they  look  like  a  solid  wall.  A 
cat  could  not  go  on  shore  at'that  place.  Again  they 
are  in  clear  open  water,  and  steer  for  the  mountainous 
coast.  They  anchor  in  a  fine  harbor  in  order  to  fill 
the  water-casks. 

The  wood-choppers  are  cutting  their  wood,  and  the 
drawers  of  water  filling  their  casks,  when  one  who 
had  strayed  away  into  the  forest  with  his  cross-bow  in 
search  of  game  returns  in  a  breathless  terror.  He 
has  met  a  most  weird  and  startling  sight — some  one 
in  a  long  white  garment,  looking  like  a  grave  friar  of 
St.  Mary  of  Mercy.  Two  others  followed  with  white 
frocks  down  to  their  knees,  and  a  little  farther  away 
were  coming  about  thirty  similar  personages,  armed 
with  clubs  and  lances.  Nor  were  they  the  common 
tawny  skins  of  the  island,  but  of  fair  complexion  like 
Europeans. 

At  this  startling  report  al  I  the  hewers  of  wood  and 
drawers  of  water  fled  in  utmost  precipitation  to  the 

ships. 

But  the  story  had  no  ghostly  alarm  for  Columbus. 
It  was  but  another  item  in  the  remarkable  list  of  cor- 


5-  MERC't. 

id  joy,  the  balmy 
a  single  hour. 
3f  Xagua,  the}'  sail 
iiie  sand  kept  afloat 
len  come  niimerons 
tie  Gardens  of  the 
ceedingly  difficult, 
the  rest  follow  with 
nt  to  the  main  in 
ow  and  muddy,  and 
ke  a  solid  wall.  A 
place.  Again  they 
)r  the  mountainous 
rbor  in  order  to  fill 

their  wood>  and  the 
;ks,  when  one  who 
ith  his  cross-bow  in 
ithless  terror.  He 
ig  sight — some  one 
like  a  grave  friar  of 
followed  with  white 
I  little  farther  away 
■  personages,  armed 
e  they  the  common 
air  complexion  like 

hewers  of  wood  and 
precipitation  to  the 

arm  for  Columbus, 
larkable  list  of  cor- 


A  LION  OR  A  GRIFFIN. 


253 


respondence  between  his  findings  and  the  accounts  of 
Mandeville  and  Polo.  These  must,  indeed,  be  the 
people  of  Mangi,  who  pat  on  clothes  in  order  to  cover 
their  tails.  On  the  following  day  some  forty,  under 
arms,  were  hustled  off  into  the  wild  interior  in  search 
of  these  people  dressed  in  white.  And  they  must  go 
till  they  find  them,  even  if  the  journey  be  forty  miles. 
A  dismal  tramp  this  party  had  through  almost  impene- 
trable forests,  over  broad  plains  of  gigantic  grasses 
and  shrubbery,  where  there  was  not  even  the  track  of 
a  wild  beast.  Scarcely  more  than  a  mile  had  they 
gone,  when  they  became  almost  exhausted  and  were 
obliged  to  return. 

The   next   day   another  party   was    sent   out  in   a 
different  direction.     They  travelled  but  little  farther 
than  their  comrades  of  the  day  before,  and  with  no 
better  result.     They  very  soon  became  alarmed  at  the 
tracks  of  some  huge  animal  in  the  sand,  the  sharp 
claw-prints  of  which  were  indicative  of  the  lion  to 
some,  while  others  thought  them  the  footprints  of  the 
griffin,  a  fabulous  animal,  having  the  body  and  claws 
of  a  lion  and  the  head  and  wings  of  an  eagle.     This 
creature  had  been  frequently  referred  to  by  Cardinal 
Iliaco,  that  favorite  author  of  Columbus ;  and  Glanville, 
in  a  work  well  known  to  him,  had  described  it  as  keep- 
ing guard  over  the  mountains  abounding  in  gems  and 
gold.     On  their  return,  the  party  was  startled  by  a 
flock  of  huge  cranes,  twice  the  size  of  those  in  Europe. 
How  aromatic  were  the  impenetrable  forests,  and  the 
shrubbery    of  the    meadows    was    most   charmingly 
festooned  with  the  wild-grape  vine,  laden  with  fruit. 
Like  the  ancient  spies  sent  by  Moses  into  Canaan,  who 


f 


K 

fi 

1; 


I' 


ft 


-i  t 

k' 


2^4  MOUNTAINS  IN  THE  DISTANCE. 

returned  with  the  grapes  of  Kschol,  the  vSpaniards  came 
bearing  the  luscious  native  fruit. 

As  to  the  people  in  long  white  garments,  they  were, 
without  doubt,  a  flock  of  great  white  herons  so 
common  in  that  region ;  and  the  tracks  in  the  sand— 
"tracks  of  some  very  large  beast,  with  five  claws  (a 
terrible  sight !)  which  they  judged  to  be  lion's,  or  grif- 
fin's, or  some  other  wild  beast"— were  probably  those 
of  the  alligator.  How  much  natural  history  has  done 
to  solve  the  mysteries  of  the  superstitions  of  former 

times ! 

As  the  account  given  by  Bernaidez,  who  appears  to 
have  talked  this  whole  matter  over  with  Columbus  at  his 
fireside,  is  here  particularly  lucid,  we  will  copy  a  few 
paragraphs  from  him.     He  says  :  "  The  Admiral,  hav- 
ing thus  crossed  over  from  Point  Serafin,  where  the 
land  declined  towards  the  east    to   the    mountains   at 
the  north,  followed  the  coast  back  towards  the  east  till 
he  saw  that  it  joined  the  other  and  was  continuous 
with  it,  and  then  turned  again  to  the  west ;   and,  al- 
though both  the  vessels  and  the  men  were  much  woni 
by  the  voyage,  he  proposed  to  sail  for  some  mountains 
which  he  had  seen  in  the  west  at  the  distance  of  thirty- 
five  leagues  from  the  place  where  they  had  taken  m 
their   supply  of  water.      After   they   had  gone  nine 
leagues,  they  came  to  a  beach,  where  they  captured  the 
cacique  of  the  region,  who,  being  an  ignorant  person 
that  had  never  been  away  from  these  mountains,  told 
them  that  towards  the  north  the  sea  was  very  deep  for 
a  very  great  distance.      They   weighed   anchor,  and 
proceeded  on  their  voyage  very  joyful,  thinking   to 
find   it   as   he   had   said.      But,  after  sailing  several 


>l^wi»liaa>»iWfe''«i«'  - 


I  STANCE. 

the  Spaniards  came 

[irments,  they  were, 
white  herons,  so 
icks  in  the  sand — 
:,  with  five  claws  (a 
to  be  lion's,  or  grif- 
;ere  probably  those 
ral  history  has  done 
erstitions  of  former 

idez,  who  appears  to 
,vith  Columbus  at  his 
I,  we  will  copy  a  few 
'*  The  Admiral,  hav- 
t  Serafiu,  where  the 
1  the  mountains  at 
towards  the  east  till 
and  was  continuous 
»  the  west ;  and,  al- 
lien were  much  worn 

for  some  mountains 
;he  distance  of  thirty- 
;  they  had  taken  in 
they  had  gone  nine 
ere  they  captured  the 
3j  an  ignorant  person 
hese  mountains,  told 
sea  was  very  deep  for 
veighed   anchor,  and 

joyful,  thinking   to 
after  sailing  several 


PliESTEix'  J()//\ 


255 


-'t-t^ato-ji  --- 


leagues,  they  found  themselves  entangled  among  a 
number  of  islands,  with  very  little  depth  of  water,  so 
that  they  could  not  find  a  convenient  channel  by  which 
to  go  on.  After  making  their  way  for  a  day  and  a 
half  through  a  very  narrow  and  shallow  channel,  they 
were  obliged  to  drag  the  vessels,  by  means  of  their 
anchors  and  capstans,  over  the  bottom,  nearly  a 
fathom  out  of  water,  for  two  full  leagues,  after  which 
they  found  two  fathoms  and  a  half  of  water,  in  which 
they  sailed  for  two  days,  and  farther  on  three  fathoms. 
At  this  place  there  came  to  the  vessels  many  canoes, 
the  people  in  which  said  that  the  inhabitants  of  those 
mountains  had  a  king  of  great  authority,  and  they 
seemed  to  be  wonderfully  impressed  with  the  extent  of 
his  dominion  and  the  greatness  of  his  power,  saying 
that  he  had  infinite  provinces,  that  he  was  called 
'  Holy,'  and  that  he  wore  a  white  tunic,  which  trailed 
upon  the  ground."  How  suggestive  !  Must  this  not 
indeed  be  Prester  John  ? 

"They  pursued  their  course  along  the  coast,  in  three 
fathoms  of  water,  for  four  days,  in  which  they  passed 
the  mountains,  leaving  them  far  to  the  east,  and  al- 
ways found  the  shore  low  and  the  trees  growing  close 
to  the  water's  edge,  as  has  been  described,  so  that  it 
was  impossible  to  effect  a  landing.  At  the  end  of  this 
time,  the  vessels  being  in  a  bay  where  the  coast  turned 
again  to  the  east,  they  saw  upon  a  cape,  at  twenty 
leagues  distance,  some  very  high  mountains,  which 
the  Admiral  determined  to  visit,  since  the  sea  was  not 
open  towards  the  north,  and  was  of  very  great  depth, 
as  the  cacique  had  said,  who  also  told  the  Admiral 
that  in  the  way  in  which  he  was  going  he  would  not 


256 


PALAr  GROVES  AND  PEARLS. 


come  to  the  end  of  the  land  in  fifty  leagues— so  he  had 
heard    it   said.      They    sailed    within    a   great    many 
islands,  and,  after  four  da;  s  and  nights,  came  to  the 
mountains  they  had  seen,  and  found  a  country  as  large 
as  the  island  of  Corsica.      They  went  all  around  it, 
but  found  no  spot  where  they  could  land,  the  shore 
being  very  muddy  and  the  trees  very  thick,  as  has 
been  said  of  the  other  places,  and  the  smokes  from  the 
dwellings  of  the  inhabitants  in  the  interior  were  large 
and  numerous.     They  remained  on  this  coast  seven 
days  seeking  for  fresh  water,  of  which  they  were  in 
want,  and  \s\\\q\\  they  found  at  a  place  towards  the 
east,  in  some  beautiful  palin-groves,  where  they  also 
found  mother-of-pearl  and  some  very  handsome  pearls, 
and  saw  also  that  there  were  excellent  fishing  grounds, 
if  they  were  only  used.     After  supplying  themselves 
with  wood  and  water,  they  sailed  towards  the  south 
for  a  considerable  distance,  following  the  coast  until  it 
led  them  towards  the  southwest,  and  appeared  to  run 
in  that  direction  for  a  great  number  of  days'  sail,  and 
at  the  south  they  saw  the  sea  filled  with  islands.     The 
vessels   were    in    very  bad  condition  from  thumping 
about  in  the  shallows,  their  ropes  and  tackle  worn  out, 
and  most  of  the  provisions  imich  injured,  especially 
.   the  biscuit,   in  consequence  of  the    leakiness  of  the 
vessels  ;  and  the  men,  too,  were  very  much  exhausted, 
afraid  of  their  provisions  failing,  and  likewise  of  the 
winds    being,   at   this   season,   unfavorable  for   their 

return." 

Somewhere  along  here  the  crews  were  surprised  at 
the  great  numbers  of  enormous  tortoises,  which  covered 
the  sea  in   countless  numbers.     There  were  also  in- 


PEAIiLS. 


THE  GOLDEN  C/fERSONESUS. 


'-57 


leagues — so  he  had 
hin  a  great  many 
nights,  came  to  the 
d  a  country  as  large 

went  all  around  it, 
ould  land,  the  shore 
very  thick,  as  has 
the  smokes  from  the 
e  interior  were  large 
on  this  coast  seven 

which  they  were  in 
a  place  towards  the 
res,  where  they  also 
:ry  handsome  pearls, 
ilent  fishing  grounds, 
upplying  themselves 
d  towards  the  south 
ing  the  coast  until  it 

and  appeared  to  run 
ber  of  days'  sail,  and 
d  with  islands.  The 
ition  from  thumping 

and  tackle  worn  out, 
:h  injured,  especially 
the  leakiness  of  the 
i^ery  much  exhausted, 
r,  and  likewise  of  the 
mfavorable  for   their 

ews  were  surprised  at 

irtoises,  which  covered 

There  were  also  in- 


credibly large  flights  of  cormorants,  or  sea-crows, 
fiiirly  darkening  the  .ky,  and  what  a  sight  must  have 
licen  those  clouds  of  brilliant  butterflies,  which  filled 
tlie  air  for  a  whole  day,  until  the  evening  showers  dis- 
persed them. 

As  illustrating  the  enterprising  imagination  of  Co- 
lumbus, Bernalde/  says :  "  While  on  this  voyage,  it 
occurred  to  him  that  if  he  should  be  prospered  he 
might  succeed  in  returning  to  Spain  by  the  east,  go- 
ing to  the  Ganges,  thence  to  the  Arabian  gulf,  thence 
by  land  from  Ethiopia  to  Jerusalem  and  to  Joppa, 
where  he  might  embark  on  the  Mediterranean,  and 
arrive  at  Cadiz."  But  this  bold  suggestion  could 
never  have  been  more  than  a  thought — could  never 
have  been  a  definite  and  determined  plan. 

But  that  magnificent  shore,  stretching  away  inimit- 
ably to  the  southwest,  just  as  Marco  Polo  had  de- 
scribed India,  must  lead  to  the  Golden  Chensonesus 
so  attractive  to  the  ancients — that  country  now  sup- 
posed to  be  the  peninsula  of  Malacca.  But  the  Admiral 
was  confronted  by  stubborn  facts — hungry,  tired 
sailors  and  worn-out,  leaky  ships.  Besides,  who  in  all 
these  crews — some  eighty  souls — shared  his  enthusiasm 
in  Oriental  discovery  ?  Where  was  there  another  im- 
agination which  could  conceive  such  brilliant  pictures 
and  such  vast  schemes  as  those  which  were  constantly 
arising  to  his  vision  ? 

No ;  unwilling  as  he  may  be,  he  must  turn  back  ! — 
even  though  he  is  so  near  the  west  end  of  the  great 
island  that  "a  ship-boy  from  the  masthead  might 
have  overlooked  the  group  of  islands  to  the  south,  and 
beheld  the  open  sea  beyond,"  and  two  or  three  days 


258 


ISLAND  OR  CONTINENl  f 


further  sail  would  have  rounded  Cape  San  Antonic 
How  different  then  would  have  been  his  geographic^ 
conceptions,  which  remained  a  grand  delusion  till  th 
day  of  his  death  I  How  vastly  different  might  ha\ 
been  his  exploring  expeditions  in  the  few  after  yeai 
of  his  life  I 

Yet  the  ships  do  not  turn  about  easily,  teredo-bore 
and  crazy  though  they  be.  Many  an  eager  look  i 
cast  down  along  that  immense  trend  of  southwes 
coast.  What  if  it  should  prove  to  be  the  Golde 
Chersonesus  just  under  the  ships'  prows  ?  Or  wh£ 
if  they  were,  indeed,  only  riearing  the  end  of  an  in 
mense  island  ? 

But  this  must  surely  be  the  eastern  extension  of 
continent — the  continent  of  Asia.  Had  they  nc 
coasted  three  hundred  and  thirty  leagues  westwan 
according  to  the  estimates  of  the  pilots  ?  Who  ha 
ever  heard  of  an  island  of  such  immense  magnitude 
And  did  not  everything,  especially  that  great  extei 
of  Southwestward  coast-line,  correspond  to  an  iota  wit 
the  descriptions  and  accounts  of  India  as  given  I 
Polo  and  Mandeville  ?  Aye,  those  columns  of  smol 
arising  here  and  there  throughout  the  mountains  ai 
hills  of  the  interior  might  be  from  the  fires  of  t^ 
ruder  outlying  parts  of  Mangi  and  Cathay. 

But  in  a  matter  so  important,  so  vital  to  the  magJ 
tude  of  his  enterprises,  he  will  not  depend  merely  upj 
his  own  opinion  in  making  out  an  official  report  to 
court  of  Spain.     Every  soul  in  the  three  ships  mi 
record  his  conviction  under  oath.     Who  could  tell  wl 
crookedness  and  perverseuess  there  might  be  in  brii 
ing  home  to  the  King  and  Queen  the  reports  of  | 


TTINENl  f 

led  Cape  San  Antonio, 
re  been  his  geographical 
grand  delusion  till  the 
itly  different  might  have 
\  in  the  few  after  years 

bout  easily,  teredo-bored 
Many  an  eager  look  is 
ise  trend  of  southwest 
irove  to  be  the  Golden 
ships'  prows  ?  Or  what 
iaring  the  end  of  an  im- 

;he  eastern  extension  of  a 
Asia.      Had    they    not 
thirty  leagues  westward, 
of  the  pilots?     Who  had 
,ch  immense  magnitude? 
ecially  that  great  extent 
correspond  to  an  iota  with 
Its  of  India  as  given  by 
those  columns  of  smoke 
ighout  the  mountains  and 
be  from  the  fires  of  the 
gi  and  Cathay, 
tant,  so  vital  to  the  magni- 
iU  not  depend  merely  upon 
out  an  official  report  to  the 
1  in  the  three  ships  must 
oath.    Who  could  tell  what 
iss  there  might  be  in  bring- 
d  Queen  the  reports  of  so 


A  STRANGE  OATH. 


259 


many  ?  A  public  notary,  therefore,  is  sent,  with  four 
witnesses,  to  take  the  judgment  of  each  one,  from  cap- 
tain to  ship-boy,  under  oath.  A<-  this  distance  of  four 
centuries,  and  in  this  light  of  the  end  of  the  nineteenth 
century,  the  proceedure  is  simply  ridiculously  absurd, 
appearing,  as  one  has  said,  like  attempting  "  to  estab- 
lish a  geographical  fact  by  a  certificate  undci  oath." 
Possibly  if  we  had  stood  on  the  deck  of  one  of  the 
ships  of  the  little  fleet,  conscious  of  the  touch  and 
influence  of  all  the  circumstances,  we  might  at  least 
modify  our  judgment. 

But  if  the  act  of  administering  the  oath  is  of  doubt- 
ful wisdom,  the  penalties  annexed  to  any  opposite 
opinion  expressed  afterwards  is  still  more  objectionable. 
It  was  formally  announced  by  the  notary  that  if  any  one 
dared  to  falsify  this  expression  of  conviction,  if  an 
ofiicer  he  should  pay  a  penalty  of  ten  thousand  mara- 
vedis,  and  if  a  private  he  should  receive  a  hundred 
lashes  and  have  his  tongue  cut.  This  word  ''''ait  ■■  has 
generally  been  rendered  "<:«/ o«/,"  which  is  straining 
the  meaning.  If  we  fall  back  upon  the  customary 
treatment  of  liars  in  Spain — and  it  was  lying  and  not 
chauging  of  opinion  that  was  to  be  punished — we  shall 
find  that  it  was  to  slit  the  end  of  the  tongue.  This, 
then,  was  what  Columbus  meant  by  having  the  tongue 
"^«/."  And,  considering  that  this  event  belonged  to 
the  age  of  Torquemada  and  the  Inquisition,  the  penalty 
was  by  no  means  severe. 

The  sorrowful  faces  of  the  crews  became  more  cheer- 
ful on  June  13th,  as  the  ships  stood  to  the  southeast  for 
Hispaniola.  They  were  passing  through  a  labyrinth 
of  keys,  which  were  almost  impenetrable  to  a  sailing 


..tAlaOM^VatJr,- 


26o 


HARD  SAILING 


craft.  Very  soon  a  large  and  majestic  island,  now- 
known  as  the  Isle  of  Pines,  loomed  up  in  the  midst  of 
countless  islets.  Anchoring  here  for  wood  and  water, 
they  soon  bore  to  the  east,  along  the  south  side  of  the 
island,  hoping  to  find  an  open  passage  south  of  the 
innumerable  islands  they  had  encountered  sailing  west- 
ward, and  also  intending  to  explore  the  south  shore  of 
Jamaica  en  route. 

But  his  crews  seem  to  have  been  greatly  dismayed 
at  this  indirection;  he   therefore  sailed  through   the 
islands  back  to  Cuba  over  the  white  sea  noticed  before. 
The  way  was   exceedingly   toilsome,   and   the   crews 
were  in  the  most  unhappy  mood.     Nor  did  the  loss  of 
ten  days  in  testing  a  new  passage,  and  the  slim  allow- 
ance of  a  pound  of  mouldy  bread  and  a  few  swallows  of 
wine  per  day  to  a  man,  tend  to  the  increase  of  cheer- 
fulness.    On  June  30th,  as  they  were  toiling  through 
the  most  perplexing  channels,  the  Admiral's  ship  struck 
bottom  with  such  violence  as  to  alarm  all.     The  anchor 
was  sent  out  astern  to  free  her,  but  they  finally  had  to 
drag  her  across  the  shoal  with  great  effort. 

Now  they  are  again  sailing  along  the  clear  coast  of 
Cuba,  in  sight  of  the  delightful  province  of  Ornafay. 
Like  Humboldt,  hundreds  of  years  later,  they  are  de- 
lighted with  the  fragrant  odors  wafted  out  on  the  sea. 

May  not  this  hungry,  tired  crew  now  have  a  little 
rest  and  refreshment?  With  what  joy  they  cast  an- 
chor, July  7th,  in  the  mouth  of  a  beautiful  river. 
While  they  are  taking  in  wood  and  water,  the  Admiral 
is  making  the  acquaintance  of  the  cacique,  who  rules 
over  a  large  tract  of  this  charming  country.  The 
exhausted  seamen  are  delighted  with  the  sweet  repose 


HIGH  MASS. 


261 


ijestic  island,  now 
up  in  the  midst  of 
"or  wood  and  water, 
le  south  side  of  the 
ssage  south  of  the 
ntered  sailing  west- 
;  the  south  shore  of 

1  greatly  dismayed 
sailed   through   the 
e  sea  noticed  before, 
ne,   and   the   crews 
Nor  did  the  loss  of 
and  the  slim  allow- 
nd  a  few  swallows  of 
e  increase  of  cheer- 
ere  toiling  through 
.dmiral's  ship  struck 
rm  all.     The  anchor 
;  they  finally  had  to 
it  effort. 

Qg  the  clear  coast  of 
(rovince  of  Ornafay. 
:s  later,  they  are  de- 
fted  out  on  the  sea. 
;w  now  have  a  little 
lat  joy  they  cast  an- 
■  a  beautiful  river, 
d  water,  the  Admiral 
e  cacique,  who  rules 
ling  country.  The 
ith  the  sweet  repose 


of  terra  firma.  No  less  grateful  is  the  abundant 
repast  furnished  by  the  natives — cassava-bread,  utias, 
birds  of  every  kind,  including  large,  fat  pigeons,  and 
siich  aromatic,  luscious  fruits  ! 

Nor  are  the  services  and  ceremonies  of  religion  neg- 
lected. A  stately  cross  is  erected  in  a  charming  grove, 
and  on  a  bright  Sunday  morning  the  impressive 
ceremonies  of  high  mass  are  celebrated.  The  cacique 
and  his  venerable  counsellor  of  four-score  years  have 
each  taken  the  Admiral  by  the  hand  and  led  him  to 
the  grove  for  worship,  the  latter  having  presented  to 
him  a  string  of  mystic  beads  and  a  calabash  of  the 
finest  fruit.  The  natives  stand  around  in  groups 
witnessing  the  solemnities  with  the  utmost  awe. 

When  all  was  over,  the  venerable  Indian  counsellor 
approached  Columbus  and  made  an  address  which, 
for  its  profound  wisdom  and  sacred  import,  is  worthy 
to  be  recorded  to  the  end  of  time. 

This  discourse  as  given  by  Bernaldez,  who,  no  doubt, 
received  it  from  the  lips  of  Columbus  as  a  guest  at  his 
own  fireside,  is  as  follows  :  "  He  had  known  how  the 
Admiral  was  going  about  exploring  all  the  islands  in 
these  parts  and  the  continent,^  and  that  his  being  on 
the  continent  was  known  to  them.  He  told  the  Ad- 
miral that  he  must  not  be  vainglorious  because  all 
the  people  were  afraid  of  him,  for  that  he  was  mortal, 
like  men ;  and  he  began ,  by  words  and  by  signs  to 
explain  how  men  were  born  naked,  and  how  they  had 
an  immortal  soul,  and  that  when  any  member  was 
diseased  it  was  the  soul  that  felt  the  pain ;  that  at  the 
time  of  death,  and  their  separation  from   the  body, 

*  Referring,  no  doubt,  to  Cuba. 


262  CELEBRA  TION  OF  HIGH  MASS. 


< 

s 
o 


b 
O 

is 

o 

aa 

H 

iJ 

Id 

y 

id 
» 


5-//  jyAss. 


INDIAN  EL  O^  UENCE. 


263 


these  souls  felt  very  great  pain,  and  that  they  went  to 
the  King  of  the  heavens,  or  into  the  abyss  of  the  earth, 
according  to  the  good  or  evil  they  had  done  and 
wrought  in  the  world." 

Peter  Martyr,  who,  no  doubt,  reports  the  results  of 
his  conversations  with  the  Admiral,  gives  the  words  of 
the  aged  Indian  counsellor  as  follows  :  "I  have  been 
advised,  most  mighty  prince,  that  you  have  of  late 
with  great  power  subdued  many  lands  and  regions 
heretofore  unknovn  to  you,  and  have  brought  great 
fear  on  all  the  people  and  inhabitants  thereof,  which 
good  fortune  you  will  bear  with  less  insolency  if 
you  remember  that  the  souls  of  men  have  two  journeys 
after  they  are  departed  from  this  body :  the  one,  foul 
and  dark,  prepared  for  such  as  are  injurious  and  cruel 
to  mankind  ;  the  other,  pleasant  and  delightful,  or- 
dained for  those  who,  in  their  lifetime,  loved  peace  and 
quietness.  If,  therefore,  you  acknowledge  yourself  to 
be  mortal,  and  consider  that  every  man  shall  receive 
just  rewards  or  punishments  for  such  things  as  he 
hath  done  in  this  life,  you  will  wrongfully  hurt  no 


man 


n 


The  Admiral  was  deeply  impressed  by  this  address 
as  translated  by  the  Lucayan,  and  replied  to  the  ven- 
erable man,  telling  how  pleased  he  was  to  learn  his 
views  as  to  a  future  state,  not  having  ascertained  any- 
thing of  the  kind  from  the  jiatives  before  ;  that  he  had 
been  sent  to  teach  them  religion,  to  subdue  their 
enemies,  the  cannibals,  and  to  protect  them  from  all 
harm.  Therefore,  the  harmless  and  peaceable  might 
look  to  him  as  their  friend  and  protector.  The  old 
man,  surprised  to  find  that  the  Admiral  was  still  sub- 


^  «;»a  ^'iiSi^^fv^  WiktU' 


264 


AN  AFFECTING  FAREWELL. 


ject  to  a  higher  ruler,  was  still  more  astonished  to 
learn  from  the  Lucayan  the  glory  of  Spain  and  its 
rulers.  Surely  that  country  must  be  heaven.  Would 
not  the  Admiral  take  him  along  with  him  on  his  re- 
turn ?  But  the  entreaties  of  his  wife  and  family  were 
such  that  the  aged  man  was  obliged  to  give  up  the 

project. 

July  i6th,  Columbus  took  an  affecting   farewell   of 
the   chief  and  his   venerable   adviser,  and,  taking  a 
young  native  as  interpreter,  found  sea-room  outside 
the  Queen's  Gardens  on  his  way  to  Hispaniola.     But 
he  was  soon  overtaken  by  a  gale,  which  almost  upset 
the  crazy  vessels,  and  so  strained  his  caravel  as  to  let 
the  water  in  at  every  seam  and  defy  the  efforts  of  the 
weary  crew  at  bailing.      Anchoring  in  the  shelter  of 
Cape   Cruz   on   the  i8th,  the  Spaniards  enjoyed  the 
renewed  hospitality  of  the  natives  for  three  days.     As 
the  wind  was  still  unfavorable,  July   2  2d  the  ships 
stood  across  to  Jamaica  in  order  to   circumnavigate 
that  beautiful  island.      But  the  coasting  of  its  south 
shore  to  the  east  was  the  toilsome  work  of  nearly  a 
month.       So    untoward    was    the  weather  that    the 
ships  were  obliged  to  anchor  under  lee  of  the  land  each 
night,  the  head-winds  and  pelting  showers  often  com- 
pelling them  to  enter  harbor  at  night  \irhere  they  had 
started  out  in  the  morning.      Fortunately  the  natives 
were  cordial,  and  brought  them  abundant  provisions. 
If  the  leaky  crafts  and  exhausted  crews  urged  Columbus 
homeward,  the  magnificence  of  the   island,  with  its 
excellent  harbors,  strongly  attracted  him  to  remain 
and  explore  the  charms  of  the  interior.     In  one  large 
bay,   including   seven   islands   and   surrounded  with 


EWELL. 

more  astonished  to 
y  of  Spain  and  its 
be  heaven.  Would 
v/ith  him  on  his  re- 
ife  and  family  were 
iged  to  give  up  the 

Bfecting  farewell  of 
iser,  and,  taking  a 
d  sea-room  outside 
to  Hispaniola.  But 
vhich  almost  upset 
his  caravel  as  to  let 
y  the  efforts  of  the 
ng  in  the  shelter  of 
miards  enjoyed  the 
for  three  days.  As 
July  2  2d  the  ships 
to  circumnavigate 
:oasting  of  its  south 
le  work  of  nearly  a 
;  weather  that  the 
r  lee  of  the  land  each 
r  showers  often  com- 
.ght  \irhere  they  had 
unately  the  natives 
bundant  provisions, 
ews  urged  Columbus 
the  island,  with  its 
cted  him  to  remain 
terior.  In  one  large 
id   surrounded  with 


A  ROYAL  FAMILY. 


265 


native    villages,   the   cacique    entertained   him    most 
uobl}'. 

"  The  next  day  the  Admiral  left  the  place,  and  after 
he  had  already  got  under  sail  with  a  light  wind,  the 
cacique,  with  three  canoes,  came  towards  the  ships  in 
such    state   that  I  must   not   omit    to    describe    his 
equipage.     One  of  the  canoes  was  very  large,  like  a 
large /«5/«,^  and  much  painted  ;  in  this  canoe  was  the 
cacique  himself,  with  his  wife  and  two  daughters,  one 
of  whom  was  about  eighteen  years  old,  very  beautiful, 
entire^'y  naked,  according  ':o  the  custom  of  the  country, 
and    very    modest;    the  other  was  younger.     There 
were   likewise   two   boys,   his   sons,   and   five  of  his 
brothers,  and  other  kinsmen.     Indeed,  all  the  others 
must  have  been  his  kinsmen  and  subjects.     He  also 
brought  with  him  in  his  canoe  a  man  who  acted  as 
standard-bearer.     This  man  alone  stood  in  the  bow  of 
the  canoe,  wearing  a  loose  coat   of  red   feathers,  re- 
sembling in  shape  those  of  our  kings-at-arms,  and  on 
his  head  a  large  plume,  which  looked  very  well ;  and 
in  his   hand  he   bore  a  white  banner,  without   any 
device.      Two   or   three   men   came  with   their  faces 
painted,  all  in  the  same  way,  and  each  of  these  wore 
on  his  head  a  large  plume,  in  shape  like  a  helmet,  and 
over  the  face  a  round  tablet  as  large  as  a  plate,  painted 
likewise,  and  all  of  them  in  the  same  style,  for  neither 
in  these  tablets  nor  in   the  plumes   was   there   any 
difference;   these   carried   in   their   hands   a  kind  of 
musical  instrument,  upon  which  they  played.     There 
were   two   others,   who   were  also   painted,  but  in  a 
different   fashion  ;   these  bore  two  wooden  trumpets, 

1  Or  ym^X.. 


-a^J'yn^'^nhW«»*"Mi»g**^ 


266 


ROYAL  INDIAN  ORNAMENTS. 


highly  wrought  with  figures  of  birds  and  other  devices, 
the  wood  being  black  and  very  fine;  each  of  them 
wore  a  very  handsome  hat  of  green  feathers,  very 
closely  put  together,  and  of  very  ingenious  workman- 
ship. Six  others  wore  hats  of  white  feathers,  and 
came  in  a  body  as  the  cacique's  guard. 

"  The  cacique  wore  suspended  from  his  neck  a  trinket 
made  of  copper,  which  is  brought  from  a  neighboring 
island  called  Guani,  and  is  very  fine,  resembling  gold 
of  eight  carats  ;  in  shape  it  was  like  a  fleur-de-lis^  and 
as  large  as  a  plate.     He  wore  also  on  his  neck  a  string 
of  large  marble  beads,  which  these  people  value  very 
highly ;  and  on  his  head  a  large  open  crown  of  very 
small  green  and  red  stones,  disposed  in  order  and  in- 
termixed with  some  larger,  white  ones,  so  as  to  look 
very  well.      He  had  suspended  over   his  forehead  a 
large  jewel,  and  from  his  ears  hung  two  large  plates 
of  gold,  with  rings  of  very  small  green  beads,  and 
although  naked  he  wore  a  girdle  of  the  same  workman- 
ship as    the  crown,  all    the    rest  of  his  body  being 
uncovered.     His  wife  was  decked  in  a  similar  manner 
and  naked,  except   so   much   of  her   person   as   was 
covered  by  a  bit  of  cotton  not  larger  than  an  orange 
leaf.      She  wore    upon    her    arms,    just    below    the 
■  shoulders,  a  roll  of  cotton  like  those  on  the  sleeves  of 
the  ancient  French  doublets,  and  another  similar  roll, 
but  larger,  she  wore  on  each  leg  below  the  knee — like 
the  anklets  of  the  Moorish  women.     The  elder  and 
more  beautiful  of  the  daughters  was  entirely  naked, 
wearing  only  a  girdle  of  stones  of  a  single  color,  black 
and  very  small,  from  which  hung  something  in  the 
shape  of  an  ivy-leaf,  of  green  and  red  stones,  embroid- 
ered upon  cotton  cloth. 


ill' 


a 


A  ME  NTS. 

is  and  other  devices, 
fine  ;  each  of  them 
reen  feathers,  very 
ingenious  workman- 
white  feathers,  and 
lard. 

)m  his  neck  a  trinket 
;  from  a  neighboring 
ine,  resembling  gold 
ke  a  fleur-de-lis^  and 
on  his  neck  a  string 
se  people  value  very- 
open  crown  of  very 
ied  in  order  and  in- 
i  ones,  so  as  to  look 
over   his  forehead  a 
ung  two  large  plates 
11  green  beads,  and 
f  the  same  workman- 
;  of  his  body  being 
in  a  similar  manner 
her   person   as   was 
rger  than  an  orange 
ns,    just    below    the 
3se  on  the  sleeves  of 
I  another  similar  roll, 
below  the  knee — like 
men.     The  elder  and 
;  was  entirely  naked, 
"  a  single  color,  black 
Qg  something  in  the 
d  red  stones,  embroid- 


AN  ASTOUNDING  PROPOSITION. 


267 


"  The  large  canoe  came  between  the  two  others  and  a 
little  in  advance  of  them,  and  as  soon  as  it  came  up 
with  the  vessel  the  cacique  came  on  board  and  began 
giving  to  the  masters  and  each  of  the  men  something 
from  his  treasures.     This  was  in  the  morning  and  the 
Admiral  was  at  his  prayers,  knowing  nothing  of  this 
giving  of  presents  or  of  the  purpose  of  the  coming  of 
this  cacique,  who  had  come  at  once  on  board  the  caravel 
with  his  followers,  and  when  the  Admiral  came  on  deck 
he  had  sent  back  his  attendants  to  the  land  with  the 
canoes  and  they  were  already  at  a  considerable  distance. 
As   soon   as   the   Admiral    made   his   appearance   the 
cacique  came  towards  him  with  a  very  joyful  counte- 
nance, addressing  him  as  follows  :  '  My  friend,  I  have 
resolved  to  leave  my  country  and  go  with  thee  to  see  the 
King  and  Queen  and  the  Prince,  their  son — the  two 
greatest  lords  in  the  world,  whose  power  is  so  great  that 
they  have  subdued  so  many  countries  hereabouts  by 
means  of  thfee,  who  art  their  subject  and  goest  on  thy 
conquests  by  their  command.   This  we  have  learned  from 
those  Indians  whom  thou  earnest  with  thee,  and  also  how 
everywhere  the  people  are  wondrously  afraid  of  thee — 
even  the  Caribs,  an  innumerable  and  very  brave  race, 
whose  canoes  and  dwellings  thou  hast  destroyed,  and  hast 
captured  their  wives  and  children,  and  slain  those  of 
them  who  did  not  escape  by  flight.     I  know  that  in  all 
the  islands  of  this  region  there  is  an  infinite  number 
of  people  and  a  vast  country,  and  they  all  stand  in  fear 
and  great  dread  of  thee,  and  thou  canst  do  them  much 
harm  and  injury  if  they  do  not  submit  to  the  great 
King  of  Castile,  thy  lord,  since  thou  knowest  the  people 
of  these  islands  and  their  weakness,  and  art  acquainted 


■:   Tt'S^BiTt.T:.»SPtev'?Ki5S5a''v?s»-.«3a>K:;'  — •(■■KrnR-'* 


^68 


AN  EMBARIiASSING  SITU,  I  TION. 


li 

II 
I 

% 

"Si", 


with  the  coinitr>.  And  before  thou  shalt  take  from  mc 
my  lands  and  dominions  I  wish  to  go  with  thee  in  thy 
vessels,  with  my  family,  to  see  the  mighty  King  'and 
Queen,  thy  sovereigns,  and  the  land  in  which  they 
dwell,  the  richest  the  most  abundant  in  the  world,  and 
the  wonders  of  Castile,  which  are  many,  as  thy  Indian 

has  told  me.' '" 

The  situation  was  decidedly  embarrassing.  His 
leaky  ships  and  mouldy  bread  would  afford  but  poor 
accommodations  for  these  royal  personages.  He  there- 
fore relieved  himself  of  the  dangerous  draught  on  his 
scant  larder  and  the  overcrowding  of  his  small  cabins 
by  promising  to  comply  with  the  cacique's  wishes  at 
a  more  opportune  season,  when  he  might  be  going 
directly  to  Spain. 

On  the  2oth  of  July  the  Admiral  was  coasting  the 
south  side  of  the  western  peninsula  of  Hispaniola.  He 
did  not  recognize  the  island,  however,  till  a  cacique, 
pushing  out  to  the  caravels  on  the  23d,  accosted  him  by 
his  title  and  mixed  a  little  Castilian  in  his  Indian  sen- 
tences. But  it  was  still  no  small  matter  to  get  around 
the  island.  The  weather  was  so  severe  as  to  separate 
the  ships,  and  it  was  near  the  eud  of  August  when  the 
Admiral  anchored  his  ship  at  the  tall  rock  "  Alto  Velo," 
so  named  because,  in  the  distance,  it  resembled  a  ship 
under  sail.  This  island  was  only  half  way  along  the 
south  shore.  Here,  while  the  sailors  kept  lookout  for  the 
other  two  vessels,  they  found  the  pigeons  and  other 
birds  so  tame  that  they  could  knock  them  over  with 
sticks.  They  also  killed  what  they  called  sea-wolves— 
probably  a  kind  of  seal— while  these  creatures  were 

1  Bernaldez. 


t 


«WK««»t*i^^4  ■»«W9iMMe?'ii*«>^- 


ITU  ATI  ON. 

»u  shalt  take  from  me 
.)  go  with  thee  in  th} 
he  mighty  King  'and 

land  in  which  they 
mt  ill  the  world,  and 

many,  as  thy  Indian 

embarrassing.  His 
'onld  afford  but  poor 
;rsonages.  He  there- 
jerous  draught  on  his 
g  of  his  small  cabins 
e  cacique's  wishes  at 
he   might  be  going 

iral  was  coasting  the 
ila  of  Hispaniola.  He 
wever,  till  a  cacique, 
;  23d,  accosted  him  by 
ian  in  his  Indian  sen- 
l  matter  to  get  around 
3  severe  as  to  separate 
.  of  August  when  the 
tall  rock" Alto Velo," 
:e,  it  resembled  a  ship 
ly  half  way  along  the 
>rs  kept  lookout  for  the 
he  pigeons  and  other 
cnock  them  over  with 
ey  called  sea-wolves — 
these  creatures  were 


AN  ECLIPSE  OF  THE  MOON 


269 


sleeping  on  the  sand.  Being  joined  finally  by  the 
other  two  caravels,  they  proceeded,  passing  beautiful 
rivers  and  bays,  where  the  Indian  villages  could  be 
seen  ill  various  directions. 

Presently  some  of  the  natives  came  out  in  canoes  to 
greet  them.  They  had  seen  some  of  the  Spaniards 
recently  and  reported  favorably  concerning  the  colony. 
Being  thus  encouraged,  he  lanued  nine  men,  who  were 
to  cross  the  island  and  announce  his  approach  to 
Isabella. 

A  little  further  east  the  weather  became  so  threaten- 
ing that  the  Admiral  took  shelter  in  a  channel  behind  a 
key  or  islet.  An  eclipse  of  the  moon  enabled  him  to 
take  his  longitude.  During  eight  tempestuous  days  he 
waited  here,  intensely  anxious  as  to  the  fate  of  the 
other  vessels,  tossed  by  the  tempest  he  knew  not 
whither.  In  due  time,  however,  they  rejoined  him,  and 
by  the  24th  of  September  they  had  reached  the  eastern 
end  of  Hispaniola.  Between  Hayti  and  Porto  Rico  is 
the  island  of  Mona.     Here  they  anchored. 

Even  now,  with  his  damaged  ships  and  failing  stores 
of  provisions,  the  Admiral  "  could  not  get  the  consent 
of  his  mind"  to  put  into  Isabella  without  further 
exploration  of  the  Carib  islands,  lying  just  away  to  the 
southeast.  But  from  this  undertaking  the  crews  were 
suddenly  relieved.  Strong  as  our  veteran  seaman  was, 
blood  and  nerve  could  not  sustain  the  stupendous  eiforts 
of  his  mind.  Trying  enough  were  the  hunger,  the  toil^ 
and  the  buffeting  of  storms  endured  by  the  ship-boy. 
All  of  these  Columbus  shared ;  but  what  were  they 
compared  with  that  watchfulness  which  kept  guard 
while  others  slept? — the  sleepless  eye  that  studied  the 


»i»S^3B^«w*s:  ^!«ws,-%t*'tw»' 


2^o 


A  FEARFtlL  REACTION. 


Stars  i)y  night,  and  scanned  the  horizon  night  and  day 
for   new   islands  and   continents  ?— the   consciousness! 
that  all  Spain  and  the  world  were  gazing  upon  him  ?l 
Fernando  Columbus  says  the   Adminvl   had   scarcelyf 
slept   three  hours   in  eight  days.      Cv^lumbus  himself 
says  he  was  thirty-three  days  without  Ui'tural  rest.     Inl 
all,    this    anxious,    nervous    voyage    had    lasted   five 
niiaiths.     And,  after  all,  what  was  it  but  an  immense 
iiis.].i.)oir,tment?     Surely  it  was  nothing  more  than  a 
grand  uncertainty.    What  wonder,  then,  that  the  reaction 
was  too  great  for  the  natural  forces  to  sustain?      A 
lethargy  like  a  deep  sleep -came  over  him.     The  hand 
was  helpless ;    the  open,  fixed   eyes    were  sightless 
the  perceptive  faculties  were  all  dormaiM  ;  memory  was 
broken  off.     The  little  fleet  sailed  into  Isabella  bearing 
their  comiriinder-in-chun-— scarcely  more  than  a  dead 
man!     A  severe  sickness  of  some  five  months — the 
same  length  of  time  as  the  voyage — now  followed. 


i 


(tUW>i|ii|*mf»i'»  Wn>iriiTnfiifri>ii'r  '^•■'Trt"" 


iK  ates**^  «**wseBfc'**^.^^««sw*« 


I 


1  CTfON. 

lorizon  night  and  day 
J  ? — the   consciousness! 
ere  gazing  upon  him  ?l 
Adniirni   had   scarcely[ 
s.     Cijlumbus  himself 
;hout  ni't'.iral  rest.     Iiil 
^age    had    lasted   five 
as  it  but  an  immense  I 
nothing  more  than  al 
r,  then,  that  the  reaction! 
forces  to  sustain?      Al 
over  him.     The  handj 
eyes    were  sightless 
iormaiM  ;  memory  wasi 
;d  into  Isabella  bearingl 
ely  more  than  a  dead! 
ome  five  months — thef 
.ge — novv^  followed. 


^^rf!;^:^mf^^Sm^^'m^F?'W^^'^^^'f.^fyM^i^^^WB: 


.A.. 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


IA;|28     |2.5 

■^  1^    12.2 

ii 


1-25   ||l.4    ||i.6 

< 6"     

► 

7 


fliotographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


■y 


'^ 


33  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

V/EBSTER,N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


^&iJf^i$^m0ii-ii!)i(^'>«seaiimm^^i 


<». 


i/. 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHIVI/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


"^ 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

EVENTS   ON    REACHING   ISABELLA. 

NE  joy,  at  least,  awaited  the  Admiral.  His 
brother  Bartholomew  was  at  his  bedside. 
_____  The  chase  of  this  afifectionate  brother,  for 
some  ten  years,  in  the  interests  of  Christopher— now 
Admiral— is  really  affecting.  Having  shared  the 
voyage  of  Bartholomew  Diaz  along  the  south  coast  of 
Africa  in  i486,  in  which  voyage  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope 
was  discovered,^  he  afterwards  went  to  England  to 
enlist  Henry  VII.  in  favor  of  his  brother's  scheme. 
Gobbled  up  by  pirates  and  reduced  to  such  extreme 
poverty  that  he  was  obliged  to  spend  considerable  time 
in  making  maps,  charts,  etc.,  ere  he  could  appear  before 
that  potentate,  he  was  so  belated  in  reaching  France 
after  his  success  in  England"  that  Paris  was  already 
aflame  with  the  news  of  his  brother's  triumphant 
return  from  his  first  voyage.  Bartholomew  at  once 
gained  notoriety  at  the  French  court,  and  Charles 
VIII.  gave  him  one  hundred  crowns  to  help  him  back 
to  Spain.  Here  he  arrived  just  after  the  Admiral  had 
set  out  on  his  second  voyage.  Going  to  the  Spanish 
court  with  his  young  nephews,  who  were  to  be  pages 
to  the  royal  household,  he  -was  majie  commander  in  a 

'This  is  nscertained  from  a  note,  in  his  handwriting,  on  the  margin  of  his 
brother's  famous  copy  of  Cardinal  Iliaco's  Imago  Mundi. 

•The  history  of  this  trip  to  England  is  somewhat  obscure,  but  Henry  VII. 
seems  to  have  given  heed  to  Bartholomew's  interesting  map  and  to  have 
favored  Christopher's  project 


*-aMi)iMt-'M-S<k3»i^<t-  a 


THE  TWO  BROTHERS. 
L  aw  .0  sail  to    -  -a..^^  H^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 
arrived  too  late.     The  /^^""'f  ^^  ^  ^he  broth- 

^r  If.  r"  '::^:^^^  ^-^  ^-^ 

M-  I'ifc  had  met      Tall  and  stately  like  his  brother,  and 

of  i  Ve  V  s imUar  grade  of  cultt,re,  Bartholomew  was 

L  imSiritive,  less  speculative,  more  stern  at^d  pra^.- 

Tl,^  Admiral  would  want  to  know  all  about  that  tour 
ItleE^^h  court,  also  about  that  f-orable  recep" 
t°.un  Paris.    And  how  were  matters  m  Spam  ?    The 

bovs  were  at  the  court  and  were  well    and  the  Aa 
boys  we  ^^^^^  jj^^^j,.  and  that 

Cl   If  ex""ns    n  •  whiel  the  Pope  issued  just  as 

C  llbLtd  departed  or^  ^^^^^^^J^y^^^Z 

completely  it  -"^-^J^-;!^"  ounces  of  the 
the  full  possession  of  all  tne  pagau  ^ 
Indies  which  the  former  might  discover. 

^!t  The  outlook  at  Isabella  was  threatening.     The 

was   still  keenly  icii.     x  „•„_„..  ijfe  did  not 

privation,  and  slow  profits  of  a  P^«"/\;  ^^J/^ -,  ^,,. 
suit  their  notions  of  making  a  fortune.     ^^l^^J;  ";  " 
:;.,  who  demanded  th. 


IMPOSITION  ON  NATIVES. 


273 


Here  again  be 
,e  squadron  had 
\t  last  the  broth- 
US  and  purposes 
:  his  brother,  and 
iartholomew  was 
e  stern  and  prac- 

I  of  affairs.  We 
IX.  Happy  hours 
^e  fouud  in  each 
/alescence  of  the 
t  theirs,  but  talk 
yht  to  the  world. 

II  about  that  tour 
t  favorable  recep- 
rs  in  Spain?  The 
veil,  and  the  Ad- 
n  there;  and  that 
jpe  issued  just  as 
ond  voyage !— how 
gainst  Portugal  in 
n  countries  of  the 

over. 

threatening.     The 
the  large  company 

the  second  voyage 
3us  labor,  constant 
ioneer  life  did  not 
me.  Then  this  for- 
^  man  did  not  work 
iquired  that  hidalgo, 

Id  all  toil  alike  in 


ploughing  the  field,  building  the  town,  and  in  grind- 
ing at  the  mill,  was,  to  say  the  least,  very  distasteful 

to  them.  , 

But  if  the   colony  was   in   an   unhappy  mood,  the 
natives  were  in  a  still  more  dangerous  attitude.     The 
instructions  given  to  Margarite  by  the  Admiral  as  he 
was  about  to  sail  for  Cuba  contained  dangerous  ele- 
ments, and  that  leader  had  precipitated  the  evil  conse- 
quences by  neglecting  the  better  clauses,  which  might 
at  least  in  part  have  served  as  a  corrective.     If  he 
were  not  to  annoy  the  natives  by  impositions,  he  must, 
on  the  other  hand,  make  them  fear  the  power  of  the 
white  man  ;  and  to  turn  out  some  four  hundred  hungry 
Spaniards  to  be   fed   by  the  slim  provisions   of  the 
natives  was  presuming  a  good  deal  on  their  hospital- 
ity, especially  when  we  remember  Las  Casas  state- 
ment that  "  one  man  would  consume  in  a  day  that 
which  would  have  sufficed  three  Indian   families  of- 
ten persons  each  for  the  space  of  a  whole  month. 
But  always  and  everywhere  the  heinous  offence   of 
the  Spaniards  against  the  natives    was  that  against 
the  chastity  of  their  wives  and  daughters. 

Margarite  had  given  little  or  no  attention  to  law  and 
order  or  the  accomplishing  of. any  good  purpose  in 
the  absence  of  Columbus.  He  led  out  his  four  hun- 
dred into  the  beauties  and  luxuries  of  the  Vega  Real 
to  revel  at  pleasure.  Their  excesses,  it  would  seem 
were  simply  a  repetition  of  the  affairs  of  La  Navidad 

on  a  large  scale.  , 

When  Diego  Columbus,  seeing  the  inevitable  conse- 
quences  of  such  evil  courses,  wrote  to  Margarite,  warn- 
ing him  and  reminding  him  of  his  charge  to  explore  the 


a(S»»s*s>l«*»«*M*»»1**'*''*»*- 


K.:*,-»*'«<a»Si*«^#^»MiV3M3«IW«i-K-^^^^ 


AN  EVIL  DEPARTURE. 

country  and  the  gold  regions,  this  haughty  leader  at 
once  headed  a  faction  of  the  Admiral's  most  bitter 
enemies.  And  in  this  wicked  enterprise  he  found  an 
able  colleague  in  Father  Buil,  a  Benedictine  friar, 
who  was  proving  false  alike  to  his  duties  as  a  member 
of  the  ruling  council  at  Isabella  and  as  chief  apostle 
to  the  heathen  natives. 

Under  the  mild  rule  of  Diego,  a  better  ecclesiastic 
than  ruler  of  a  colony,  it  wruld  seem,  these  malcontents 
seized  two  of  the  ships  in  the  harbor,  and,  along  with 
their  accomplices,  sailed  for  Spain.  If  there  was  great 
relief  in  being  rid  of  these  afch-rebels,  there  was  no 
telling  what  the  evil  influence  of  this  Spanish  knight 
and  high  ecclesiastic  might  be  with  the  sovereigns 
and  nobility  at  home.  Such  anticipations  were  not 
very  helpful  to  the  convalescent  Admiral. 

But  the  evil  did  not  depart  with  the  leaders.  The 
adherents  of  Margarite  became  a  sort  of  banditti,  and 
breaking  up  into  small  squads  infested  the  country  in 
the  most  lawless  manner.  The  natural  indignation  of 
the  human  heart  arose  among  the  natives.  Acts  ot 
vengeance,  few  at  first,  soon  became  more  common, 
and  before  long  the  Indians  were  planning  a  combina- 
tion against  their  intruders. 

The  brave  and  sagacious  Caonabo  was  planning  to 
surprise  Fort  St.  Thomas  in  the  mountains  with  about 
ten  thousand  warriors  armed  with  clubs,  bows  and 
arrows,  and  lances  pointed  and  hardened  in  the  fire. 
But  Ojeda,  as  big  in  spirit  as  he  was  little  in  body, 
getting  clue  to  his  intentions,  made  solemn  vovys  to 
the  Virgin,  in  the  presence  of  that  picture  of  "  Our 
Lady  "  which  he  kept  on  the  wall  of  his  chamber,  and 


IRE. 


THE  SIEGE  BROKEN  UP. 


275 


haughty  leader  at 
niral's  most  bitter 
rprise  he  found  aii 
Benedictine  friar, 
luties  as  a  member 
id  as  chief  apostle 

better  ecclesiastic 
,  these  malcontents 
)or,  and,  along  with 
If  there  was  great 
ebels,  there  was  no 
his  Spanish  knight 
ith  the  sovereigns 
cipations  were  not 
dniiral. 

,  the  leaders.  The 
5ort  of  banditti,  and 
sted  the  country  in 
tural  indignation  of 
le  natives.  Acts  of 
anie  more  common, 
planning  a  combina- 

ibo  was  planning  to 
ountains  with  about 
ith  clubs,  bows  and 
lardened  in  the  fire, 
was  little  in  body, 
ade  solemn  vows  to 
bat  picture  of  "Our 
I  of  his  chamber,  and 


put  his  fifty  men  under  arms,  making  them  bristle  along 
llie  ramparts.  Cross-bows  and  arquebuses  told  heav- 
ily on  naked  bodies,  and  when  this  spirited  leader 
sallied  forth  here  and  there  with  his  men  in  armor 
Caonabo's  braves  fell  almost  in  rank  and  file. 

If  there  was  no  hope  in  weapons  of  war,  there 
might  be  hope  in  famine.  Caonabo  stationed  his  forces 
on  every  pass,  in  order  to  cut  off  every  source  of  sup- 
ply. This  told  heavily  on  the  fortress,  especially  after 
being  kept  up  for  thirty  days.  But  Ojeda  made  fre- 
quent and  effective  sallies  round  about,  always  seem- 
ing to  move  too  quickly  to  be  struck  by  any  Indian 
lance  or  arrow.  By  and  by  the  Indians  became 
wearied  of  this  protracted  and  apparently  useless  effort 
and  gradually  disappeared  in  the  forests. 

When  Caonabo  left  St.  Thomas,  filled  with  admira- 
tion for  the  tact  and  dash  of  Ojeda,  it  was  only  to 
mature  wider  and  deeper  plans  for  the  destruction  of 
the  Spaniards.  By  a  careful  reconnoitre  he  ascer- 
tained the  weakness  of  the  colony  at  Isabella.  He 
then  undertook  to  unite  all  the  native  forces  of  the 
island  against  it.  This  was  no  very  difficult  task. 
The  conduct  of  the  white  men  had  so  broken  down  the 
original  notion  of  the  Indians  as  to  their  angelic  or 
divine  nature,  and  had  so  embittered  their  feelings, 
that  there  was  a  general  readiness  for  the  uprising. 

It  was  no  small  matter  for  Guacanagari  to  break 
away  from  his  neighboring' chiefs  and  ally  himself  to 
the  detested  strangers,  but  the  confidence  of  the  Ad- 
miral was  rewarded  by  a  friendly  call  from  this  in- 
teresting savage,  during  which  the  former  was  informed 
of  the  combination  against  him  and  of  the  cost  of  the 


^l*M&S«Ht«^*««**"*^*^'^'**^'^«^'*»*^«^^  ^""" 


.■  t  -  r-»c»  =-^'^-'- 


276  ^^^O  SHALL  LEAD  THE  ARMY? 

latter's  loyalty— of  his  wives,  one  having  been  killed 
by  Behechio,  and  another  captnred  by  Caonabo.  Thns 
Guacanagari  was  suffering  the  enmity  of  his  old  native 
colleagues  on  account  of  his  friendship  for  the  white 
men.  The  loyalty  of  this  noble-hearted  cacique,  whose 
large  territory  was  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the 
settlement,  was  of  incalculable  importance. 

Columbus  was  almost  without  force  or  even  avail- 
able leadership  in  the  midst  of  this  threatening  combi- 
nation of  the  many  thousands  of  enraged  natives.     He 
was   on   his   sick-bed,  there   was  no  one    among  the 
Spaniards   capable  of  leading   the   attack,  and   they 
were  jealous  of  Bartholomew.     First  a  small  force  was 
sent  to  the  relief  of  Fort  Magdalena,  which  was  m 
danger  of  falling  a  prey  to  Guatiguana,  the  angry  ca- 
cique of  the  Grand  River  region.      He  had  recently 
massacred  a  number  of  Spaniards,  probably  for  ex- 
cesses committed  in  his  dominions.     The  expedition 
against  him  was  successful,  with  the  usual  Spanish 
excesses,  as  it  would  appear,  the  cacique  himself  mak- 
ing good  his  escape. 

As  this  was  a  tributary  cacique  to  Guarionex,  who 
was  known  to  be  amenable  to  kindly  influences,  Co- 
lumbus sent  for  him  in  order  to  have  a  friendly  inter- 
view. The  Admiral  deprecated  the  licentiousness  and 
excesses  of  the  Spaniards  as  contrary  to  his  wishes 
and  intentions,  and  by  means  of  his  remarkable  per- 
suasive powers  he  brought  this  gentle-hearted  savage 
into  friendly  relations,  which  he  sealed  by  effecting 
the  marriage  of  the  chief's  daughter  and  his  Lucayan 
intrepreter,  called  Diego  Colon.  This  brought  him 
into   peaceful   relations   with   tha  whole  Vega  Real, 


?  AR.vrf 

having  been  killed 
Dy  Caonabo.  Thus 
ity  of  his  old  native 
dship  for  the  M-hite 
irted  cacique,  whose 
iate  vicinity  of  the 
jrtance. 

force  or  even  avail- 
threatening  combi- 
i raged  natives.     He 
no  one    among  the 
I   attack,  and   they 
St  a  small  force  was 
lena,  which  was  in 
ruana,  the  angry  ca- 
.      He  had  recently 
s,  probably  for  ex- 
is.     The  expedition 
the  usual  Spanish 
lacique  himself  mak- 

e  to  Guarionex,  who 
indly  influences,  Co- 
lave  a  friendly  inter- 
le  licentiousness  and 
ntrary  to  his  wishes 
f  his  remarkable  per- 
rentle-hearted  savage 
:  sealed  by  effecting 
Iter  and  his  Lucayan 
This  brought  him 
9  whole  Vega  Real, 


THE  TALKING  METAL. 


377 


which    he   made   still    more    secure   by   building   the 
Fort  I.a  Conception. 

But  if  Guarionex  had  been   brought    into    friendly 
relations,  Caonabo,  the  powerful   cacique  of  the   gold 
regions,  could    not    be   conciliated.     Much    has    been 
said  as  to  the  dishonorable  instructions  given  by  Co- 
lumbus for  the  capture  of  this  redoubtable  chief.     But 
here  was  a  pressing  necessity,  and  if  war  even  in  our 
day  is  "cruel"  and  "  cannot  be  refined,"    much  more 
was  it  so  in  that  unscrupulous  age.     Ojeda,  with  his 
usual  "  cunning  and  dash,"  is  the  hero  of  this  striking 
episode.     He  would  go  as  a  peaceful  embassador  to  that 
chieftain,  thus  appealing  to  his  high,  chivalrous  feel- 
ings.    With  ten  trusty  comrades,  he  would  partake  of 
his   hospitality  and    propose   a  journey  to   Isabella, 
where  the  savage  chieftain  was  to  enter  into  peaceful 
relations  with  the  Admiral  and  receive  as  a  gift  the 
chapel  bell — a  great  mystery  to  the  natives,  since  it 
could  call  the  people  together.     It  was  made  of  a  talk- 
ing metal,  they  said,  and  all  brazen,  glittering  objects 
were  associated  with  this  "  talking  metal."     How  Cao- 
nabo, when  lurking  about  the  woods  around  Isabella, 
had   longed  to  see   this  wonderful   object,  no   doubt 
come  down  from  heaven.     Surely  he  would  do  almost 
anything  to  have  it  now  as  his  own.     Thus  far  all 
was  well ;  but  what  was  Ojeda's  surprise,  on  starting 
out,  to  see  a  powerful  band  of  warriors  ready  to  march 
in   protection   of  their  chfef !     "  Why  take   such   an 
army  when  going  on  a  friendly  visit  ?"  he  asked.     "  It 
would  not  do  for  a  prince  like  himself  to  go  slimly 
attended,"  he  replied.     Here  was  a  perplexity.     The 
affairs  of  Isabella  were  in  too  weak  a  condition  to  have 
a  savage  army  precipitated  upon  it. 


,aB»a««i««»*««««!»««i*<'**'«'*'****^**'''" 


^HM»w.»l;(«*»aS«wii*+«»«*-*^>- s***^"**'"*'^*^-'^^  ■'(,«i»iV!<«S*«'jae'.>r*  » 


2^8  ^   TRAP  FOR  A   CHIEFTAIN. 

The  authority  for  the  shrewd  strata^^em  now  resorted 
to  is  none  other  than  the  venerable  Las  Casas,  who 
arrived  at  Isabella  some  six  years  after  the  occurrence 
and  found  a  vivid  recollection  of  it  among  the  citizens. 
As  the  Indians  and  the  Spaniards  were  journeying 
along  together  they  came  to  a  river.     Here,  as  they 
halted,  Ojeda   displayed  a  set  of   steel  manacles,  so 
highly    polished   as    to    resemble    burnished    silver. 
These  ornaments,  Ojeda  said,  came  from  heaven,  and 
were  worn  by  his  monarchs  at  home,  at  great  festivals. 
If  Caonabo  would  first  take  a  bath,  he  would  present 
them  to  him ;  and  if  he  would  put  them  on  he  might 
ride  back  on  his  own  horse,  to  the  great  astonishment 
of  his  subjects.     Sharp  as    Caonabo  was,  he  walked 
straight  into  this  trap.     Having  enjoyed  his  swim,  he 
mounted  the  horse   behind  Ojeda,  and   suffered   the 
shining  ornaments  to  be  fastened  upon  him.     While 
the  chieftain  was  delighting  himself  over  his  lofty  posi- 
tion and  royal  present,  Ojeda  started,  and  his   com- 
rades followed.     They  whirl    into    a  circle,  which   is 
made  larger  at  each  round,  the  frightened  natives^fly- 
ing  pell-mell  into  the  woods  in  every  direction.     The 
riders  found  it  easy  to  escape  through  the  scattered 
body-guard.     When  far  enough  away  to  be  concealed 
they   halted,  closed   about   their   captive,  drew   their 
swords,  and   threatened   death  if  he  tried  to  escape. 
Having  bound  him  firmly  to  Ojeda  with  cords,  they 
put  spurs  to  their  horses  for  Isabella.     Fifty  leagues 
or  more,  past  large  Indian  towns,  lay  between  them 
and  home.     The  vast  community  of  native  allies  must 
not  be  excited,  so  they  move  with  utmost  caution  and 
pass  the  towns  in  full  gallop.     They  are  hungry  and 


:  FT  A  IN. 

itagem  now  resorted 
jle  Las  Casas,  who 
after  the  occurrence 

among  the  citizens, 
ds  were  journeying 
ver.     Here,  as  they 

steel  manacles,  so 
burnished  silver, 
le  from  heaven,  and 
le,  at  great  festivals. 
1,  he  would  present 
.t  them  on  he  might 

great  astonishment 
abo  was,  he  walked 
njoyed  his  swim,  he 
a,  and  suffered  the 
I  upon  him.  While 
If  over  his  lofty  posi- 
tarted,  and  his  coni- 
o  a  circle,  which  is 
ightened  natives  fly- 
very  direction.  The 
irough  the  scattered 
away  to  be  concealed 

captive,  drew  their 
■  he  tried  to  escape, 
eda  with  cords,  they 
ibella.  Fifty  leagues 
lis,  lay  between  them 

of  native  allies  must 
h  utmost  caution  and 
rhey  are  hungry  and 


THE  ROYAL  CAPTIVE. 


379 


fatigued,  yet  they  must  keep  on— fording  rivers,  cross- 
ing long  reaches  of  plain  clothed  in  gigantic  grasses, 
tearing  their  way  through  tangled  thickets  and  forests, 
and  clambering  over  rocky  hills  and  mountains. 

But  they  enter  Isabella  in  triumph,  to  the  great 
delight  of  Columbus  and  the  colony.  The  Admiral 
will  keep  him  bound  in  his  own  house  till  he  can  send 
him  as  a  prisoner  to  Spain,  passers-by  gazing  at  him 
from  the  street.  Truly  a  lesson  in  human  life  is  this 
Carib  of  the  mountains.  He  will  not  humble  himself 
in  the  presence  of  the  Admiral,  nor  take  the  least 
notice  of  him.  He  boasts  of  his  massacre  of  La  Navi- 
dad,  and  acknowledges  his  intent  of  treating  Isabella 
in  like  manner.  Why  does  he  rise  to  his  feet  and  pay 
the  profoundest  respect  to  Ojeda  when  he  enters  the 
room,  but  never  deign  to  notice  the  Admiral  ?  The 
latter  did  not  dare  to  attack  him  in  his  mountain  fast- 
ness, but  the  former  was  heroic  enough  to  make  him  a 
captive.  His  face  is  hard  as  the  mountain  rocks. 
True  to  the  nature  of  the  savage,  he  will  show  no 
sign  of  grief  or  despair,  but  will  be  brave  and  unyield 
ing  to  the  end. 

While  Columbus  was  still  on  his  sick-bed,  Bartholo- 
mew acting  as  deputy,  under  the  title  of  adelantado, 
Antonio  Torres  arrived  from  Spain  with  four  ships, 
bringing  a  new  physician,  medicines,  artificers  and 
rrardeners.  Was  there  not  hope  now  that  the  sick 
might  be  cured  and  that  the  rich  resources  of  the  soil 
might  be  developed  ? 

Then  that  letter  from  the  sovereigns,  dated  August 
1 6th — how  comforting  it  must  have  been  !  Not  only 
had  the  Pope's  line  of  demarcation  been  settled  once 


k:?^Pi?WJt^^M»5S«^«M»*^^»*J^^'^^»i*««*^fe*«»^^ 


^i^*,;i^i»4t,;-iiat*w»v*«»h't("i^;»".'5J>^^S"aff«^»*=-''''"***^^'*^-^'^ 


28o  BXCOir/fAG/yG   WORDS. 

and  for  all  between  vSpain  and  PdrUiKal— 37°  IcaKUes 
west  of  the  Cape  de  Verde   Islands,  i)nt  they  wished 
him  to  come  himself  or  to  send  some  one  to  them  capa- 
ble of  ninninK  this  bonndary  line,  which  they  hoped 
mi^ht  passthrongh   scmie  island,  where  a  numnmenl 
conld  be  raised.     And  did  they  not  owe  all   this  im- 
mense addition  to  their  dominiims  to  the  ^a-nins  and 
perseverance  of  the  Admiral  ?    Equally  opportune  was 
the  letter  of  the  soverei^nis  to  the  colonists  command- 
ing strict  obedience  to  the  authority  and  to  all  the 
wishes  of  the  Viceroy,  under  penalty  of  ten  thousand 
maravedis  for   each   offence.-    As  the  Admiral  could 
not  go,  Diego,  his  brother,  was  chosen  to  return,  armed 
with  maps,  charts,  etc.,  to  help  in  respect  to  the  Pope's 
line.     Torres'  ships  must  go  back  as  soon  as  possible, 
bearing  something   which  might   be   regarded  as  an 
adequate  return  for  the  liberal  supplies  brought  out. 
But  what  should  it  be  ?     There  was  but  little  gold  ;  a 
variety  of  new  fruits  and  spices,  indeed,  and  samples 
of  the  more  common  metals  ;  but  these,  all  put  together, 
were  but  a  sorry  cargo  for  such  a  fleet  to  take  back  to 
the  expectant  nation,  all  eyes  being  turned  to  the  fab- 
ulous resources— gold,  pearls,  gems,  spices,  silks— of 

the  Indies. 

In  this  terrible  emergency,  why  not  imitate  Portu- 
gal, making  herself  wealthy  in  the  now  well-estab- 
lished African  slave-trade;  or  Spain  herself,  who 
enriched  her  coffers  from  the  sale  of  the  vanquished 
Moors,  taking  not  only  men  under  arms,  but  thousands 
of  peaceful  peasants  and  helpless  women  and  children  ? 
True,  this  very  fleet  had  just  brought  the  decline  of  the 
sovereigns  to  a  proposed  slavery  of  the  Caribs,  in  his 


OHDS. 


A  sin  I'- LOAD  OF  SLAVES. 


a8x 


)nuKal — 370  ka^ULS 
ids,  but  they  wished 
me  one  t(i  them  capa- 
e,  which   they  h()i)ed 
,  where  a  niomuueiu 
lot  owe  all   this  iiu- 
s  to  the  jreiiius  and 
[ually  opportune  was 
;  colonists  coniniand- 
lority  and  to  all  the 
alty  of  ten  thousand 
^  the  Admiral  could 
osen  to  return,  armed 
respect  to  the  Pope's 
k  as  soon  as  possible, 
t   be   regarded  as  an 
supplies  brought  out. 
vas  but  little  gold  ;  a 
,  indeed,  and  samples 
;hese,  all  put  together, 
I  fleet  to  take  back  to 
ing  turned  to  the  fab- 
ems,  spices,  silks — of 

hy  not  imitate  Portu- 
\  the  now  well-estab- 
Spain  herself,  who 
lie  of  the  vanquished 
;r  arms,  but  thousands 
;  women  and  children  ? 
ught  the  decline  of  the 
J  of  the  Caribs,  in  his 


famous  "  Memorial,"  the  humane  heart  of  Isabella 
asking  if  the  evangelization  of  these  heathen  canni- 
bals could  not  be  accomplished  "in  some  other  way;" 
but  hud  not  the  casuistry  of  the  church  decided  in  favor 
of  the  enslavement  of  the  heathen  by  Christian  nations, 
that  thus  their  benighted  souls  might  come  under  the 
illuminating  influences  of  Christianity?  Anyhow, 
necessity  knows  no  law,  so  here  files  the  long  train  of 
poor  Indian  prisoners  of  war  into  the  ships — five  hun- 
dred of  them  going  to  vSpain  to  be  sold  in  exchange 
for  cattle,  farm  implements,  seeds,  etc. !  If  the  scene 
could  have  been  photographed,  would  we  want  the 
picture  ?  Alas  for  the  tender  mercies  of  a  Chri.stian 
civilization  four  hundred  years  ago! 

But  let  us  not  lay  all  the  responsibility  of  this  sad 
scene  upon  Christopher  Columbus.  He  was  simply 
in  line  with  the  public — or  we  may  say  Christian — 
sentiment  of  his  time.  Had  his  conceptions  of  human 
freedom  been  as  far  in  advance  of  his  age  as  were  his 
views  in  cosmography,  he  might  have  illustrated  in 
his  personal  history  the  noble  and  humane  principles 
of  Las  Casas ;  but  we  can  scarcely  look  for  an  advanced 
example  of  all  the  great  virtues  in  one  man. 

And  now  one  scene  of  misery  crowds  upon  the  heels 
of  another.  The  fleet  laden  with  poor  unfortunates 
bound  for  the  slave-markets  of  Spain  was  barely  out 
at  sea,  when  the  suffering  natives  had  massed  them- 
selves in  the  Vega  Real — Las  Casas  thinks  a  hundred 
thousand  of  them — to  wage  war  against  their  foreign 
oppressors.  And  what  had  Columbus  to  bring  out 
against  this  dusky  host,  bristling  with  bows  and  arrows, 
war-clubs,  and  rude  lances,  pointed  and  hardened  in 


^S^P^r£^*(^lr«?#***«*««f*'*«^««'**l^*^ 


r^&»,'.  ■-■-    ■>-r0iib-tr 


282 


THE  BA  TTLE  ARRA  Y. 


the  fire  ?  Two  hundred  foot  and  twenty  horse  !  But 
they  were  trained  warriors,  well  armed,  cased  in  steel, 
and  shielded  bv  bucklers.  The  Admiral,  barely  up 
from  a  sick-bed  .'took  the  lead,  aided  by  Bartholomew 
and  Ojeda,  April  25,  i495-  Guacanagari  followed 
along  with  his  naked  warriors,  but  they  were  little 
more  than  spectators  in  this  swift  destruction. 

They  climbed  up    the  Gentleman's  Pass,  and   de- 
scended   into   the   magrificent  Vega  Real— alas!  no 
longer  the  earthly  paradise  of  ease,  peace,  and  plenty, 
but  the  rendezvous  of  many  thousands  of  angry  sav- 
ages.    These  were  led  by  Manicaotex,  brother  of  the 
brave  Caonabo.     When,  according  to  their  custom,  the 
Indian   spies,  unskilled  in  the  science  of    numbers, 
returned  with  a  mere  handful    of  corn,  each  grain 
representing  a  man  in  the  enemy's  army,  the  caciques 
laughed  at  the  insignificance  of  their  enemies  as  com- 
pared tuith  their  own  immense  numbers.     But  the  little 
Spanish    army   of    foot,    divided    into    detachments, 
rushed  upon  them  in  front,  flank,  and  rear  at  the  same 
instant,  with  the  deafening  noise  of  drums,  trumpets, 
and  fire-arms.     Steel  lances,  swords,  cross-bows,  and 
arquebuses   were    too  much  for  the    naked  Indians 
They  pressed  together  in  utmost  confusion.     At  the 
same  moment,  Ojeda   dashed   among   them   with  his 
twenty  war-horses,  striking  right  and  left  with  sabre 
and  lance.     While  the  horses  were  trampling  dowi 
the  bleeding  victims  the  fierce  blood-hounds  rushec 
upon  them,  dragging  them  down  into  the  dust  by  th< 
throat  and  "  tearing  out  their  bowels."     The  terrifi. 
shrieks  and  yells  of  the  poor  mortals  were  indescnba 
ble.     From  rocks  and  precipices  they  begged  for  quar 


ARRA  r. 

Liid  twenty  horse  !     But 

II  armed,  cased  in  steel, 
^he  Admiral,  barely  up 
,  aided  by  Bartholomew 

Guacanagari  followed 
.rs,  but  they  were  little 
nh  destruction, 
tleman's  Pass,  and  de- 
it  Vega  Real — alas!  no 
ease,  peace,  and  plenty, 
thousands  of  angry  sav- 
nicaotex,  brother  of  the 
ding  to  their  custom,  the 
le  science  of    numbers, 

III  of  corn,  each  grain 
emy's  army,  i/ic  caciques 
of  their  enemies  as  corn- 
numbers.  But  the  little 
ided  into  detachments, 
nk,  and  rear  at  the  same 
oise  of  drums,  trumpets, 

swords,  cross-bows,  and 
for  the  naked  Indians, 
most  confusion.  At  the 
among  them  with  his 
ight  and  left  with  sabre 
:s  were  trampling  down 
■ce  blood-hounds  rushed 
own  into  the  dust  by  the 
r  bowels."  The  terrific 
mortals  were  indescriba- 
ces  they  begged  for  quar- 


WHO   WAS  RESPONSIBLE  ? 


283 


ter  most  piteously.  Vast  numbers  were  killed,  still 
more  were  made  prisoners,  and  the  immense  Indian 
army  was  scattered  and  broken  up  as  if  alike  by  thun- 
der and  lightning  from  heaven  and  by  fiends  let 
loose  upon  them  from  the  infernal  pit. 

Who  was  responsible  for  this  horrid  slaughter? 
Surely  not  the  simple-hearted,  generous  natives,  for 
they  were  the  most  amiable  of  all  beings  till  their  hos- 
pitalities and  homes  were  outraged.  And  shall  any 
one  say  that  this  tempest  of  savage  indignation  would 
ever  have  arisen  if  the  plans  and  instructions  of 
Columbus  had  been  carried  out  from  the  beginning? 
The  uncontrollable  excesses  of  the  Spaniards  must 
ever  be  regarded  as  the  cause  of  all  these  dire  calami- 
ties with  the  natives. 

The  victory  in  the  Vega  was  now  to  be  followed  up 
by  crushing  out  every  symptom  of  rebellion  in  more 
remote  parts.  Columbus  and  his  warriors  therefore 
traversed  the  island,  Ojeda  and  his  horsemen  moving 
almost  on  the  wings  of  the  wind  to  any  point  which 
might  threaten  insurrection.  One  after  another,  the 
caciques  submitted  to  the  inevitable  authority.  Gua- 
rionex,  chief  of  the  Vega,  naturally  gentle  and  sub- 
missive, and  Manicaotex,  Caonabo's  valiant  brother, 
both  made  peace,  and  others  followed — all  except 
Behechio,  chief  of  the  western  part  of  the  island ;  he 
had  not  yet  come  into  personal  contact  with  the  Span- 
iards, and  his  dominions  affdrded  the  safest  retreat  to 
his  sister,  the  beautiful  Anacaona,  wife  of  the  captive 
cacique  Caonabo. 

We  now  come  to  one  of  the  worst  measures  of  the 
Admiral's  administration  in  these  islands.     We  must, 


^j««w>«t*j'e«*»'''*^'*'^***W'*«^^^ 


284 


MUST  HAVE  GOLD! 


however,  give  due  weight  to  certain  motive  powers  over 
which  he  had  no  immediate  control.     Unwittingly  he 
had   brought   about  a  great  national  disappointment. 
He  had  reported  the  discovery  of  the  Indies,  the  country 
of   fabulous  wealth— the   desideratum  of  the   nr.tions. 
But  where  was  the  gold,  the  pearls,  the  silks  ?     The 
hundreds  of  eager  fortune-seekers  in  the  Indies  had  for 
the  most  part  either  sickened  and  died  in  despair  or  had 
gone  back  to  Spain  to  report  their  disappointment  in  a 
manner  most  damaging  to  his  great  enterprise.     The 
sovereigns,  too,  expected  gold — must  have  gold  !     The 
recovery  of   the   Holy  Sepulchre  would  require  gold. 
Somehow  gold  must  be  gotten,  or  the  most  disastrous 
failure  would  be  insured.     Columbus  had  no  doubt  but 
there  was  plenty  of  the  precious  metal  in  the  mountains 
and  streams  of  the  island,  but  the  ordinary  methods 
owing,  no  doubt,  to  the  inefficiency  of  the  Spaniards- 
had  failed  to  procure  it  in  encouraging  quantities.     But 
was  there  not  now  an  opportunity — providential,  per- 
haps—of commanding  an  immense    working  force- 
men,  women,  and  children— who  knew  every  nook  and 
stream  of  the  mountains,  and  who  had  some  slight 
experience,  at  least,  in  searching  and  washing  out  the 
gold  ?     Then  it  would  be  perfectly  proper,  according  to 
all  received  ideas  of  church  and  state,  to  command  and 
compel  these   heathen   captives.      How  rapidly,   how 
magic-like,  this  great  army  of  native  workers  might 
accumulate  the  grains  and  nuggets  of   the  precious 
metal  1     Here,  indeed,  was  a  golden  dream— one  well 
in  keeping  with  the  times. 

So  every  native  over  fourteen   years   of    age  was 
required  to  deliver  a  Flemish  hawk's  bell  of  gold  every 


iJL*  >«  II II wwWtfwiifwi  iTirriii ir>n rmtiTr^' ■     ■  .^MWMMiiii.  ««*•  ■i«*«t*y 


LD 


THE  TAX. 


285 


1  motive  powers  over 
•ol.  Umvittiiigly  he 
nal  disappointment, 
le  Indies,  the  country 
tum  of  the  nr.tions. 
rls,  the  silks  ?  The 
in  the  Indies  had  for 
lied  in  despair  or  had 

disappointment  in  a 
-eat  enterprise.  The 
ust  have  gold  !     The 

would  require  gold. 
:  the  most  disastrous 
bus  had  no  doubt  but 
letal  in  the  mountains 
le  ordinary  methods 
cy  of  the  Spaniards — 
ging  quantities.  But 
y — providential,  per- 
ise  working  force — 
knew  every  nook  and 
irho  had  some  slight 

and  washing  out  the 
^  proper,  according  to 
jtate,  to  command  and 
How  rapidly,  how 
lative  workers  might 
gets  of  the  precious 
ien  dream — one  well 

n   years   of    age  was 
vk's  bell  of  gold  every 


three  months — a  tax  equal,  perhaps,  to  some  $15  in  our 
time.  The  caciques  were  to  pay  more — Guarionex  a 
lialf-calabash  of  gold-dust. 

If  the  Vega  Real  and  other  similar  rich  tracts  of  the 
island  afforded  little  or  no  gold,  did  not  cotton— //w- 
'.oool^  as  the  German  calls  it — grow  wild  on  the  trees 
and  shrubs  everywhere?  An  arroba — twenty-five 
pounds — of  this  important  product  might  be  taken  as 
an  equivalent  for  the  hawk's  bell  of  gold-dust.  Thus 
the  tax — certainly  a  heavy  one  for  these  poor  natives, 
all  unused  to  labor  and  hardship — was  arranged. 
Guarionex  was  much  troubled  at  the  exaction,  lest  his 
people  should  not  be  able  to  comply ;  and  proposed  to 
grow  a  belt  of  grain  from  ocean  to  ocean  across  the 
island — enough  to  provision  all  Castile  for  ten  years, 
Las  Casas  thought. 

But  this  generous  offer  was  rejected,  for  nothing  but 
gold  would  meet  the  necessities  of  the  case.  If  the 
full  measure  of  the  hawk's  bell^  was  too  much,  it  might 
be  lessened  one-half. 

About  this  time  the  sovereigns  wrote  to  Columbus  : 
"  It  appears  to  us  that  there  should  be  given  to  Indians 
with  whom  it  is  concerted  that  they  are  to  pay  the  tribute 
imposed,  a  piece  or  mark  of  brass  coin  or  lead,  which 
they  must  wear  on  the  nape ;  and  the  figure  or  mark 
of  this  said  coin  must  be  changed  every  time  they  pay, 
in  order  that  it  may  be  knovm  who  has  not  paid ;  and 
that  whenever  and  wherever '  persons  are  found  in  the 
island  who  have  not  changed  the  said  mark  on  the 

'  "It  is  a  curious  circumstance,"  says  Irving,  "and  might  furnish  some 
practical  conceits,  that  the  miseries  of  the  poor  natives  should  thus  be 
measured  out,  as  it  were,  hy  the  very  baubles  which  first  fascinated  them." 


.*«i-in.ii»>«w*rt»te^l^^' 


69&«rt*«*l4««»W^^-iW9fcl*..  *fcJ-^..i»*t«B.*«^.^- .*^^'»»" 


286 


THE  YOKE  OF  SER  VITUDE. 


nape  they  are  to  be  seized  and  snbj acted  to  some  slight 
punishment."  A  copper  coin  was  selected  as  the 
tribute-sign,  to  be  worn  on  the  neck,  the  die  being 
changed  at  each  payment.  If  any  one  had  not  the  tri- 
monthly  payment  thus  certified,  he  was  to  be  arrested 
and  punished.  Thus  we  see  that  Ferdinand  and  Isabella 
were  in  full  sympathy  with  this  enactment  of  Columbus. 

In  order  that  the  payment  of  these  tributes  might  be 
duly  enforced,  the  fortresses  were  all  put  in  order  and 
new  ones  built — all  so  located  as  to  keep  an  effective 
surveillauce  over  the  island. 

"  In  this  way,"  says  Irving',  "  was  the  yoke  of  servi- 
tude fixed  upon  the  island,  and  its  thraldom  effectually 
insured.  Deep  despair  now  fell  upon  the  natives  when 
they  found  a  perpetual  task  inflicted  upon  them,  en- 
forced at  stated  and  frequently  recurring  periods. 
Weak  and  indolent  by  nature,  unused  to  labor  of  any 
kind,  and  brought  up  in  the  untasked  idleness  of  their 
soft  ■  climate  and  their  fruitful  groves,  death  itself 
seemed  preferable  to  a  life  of  toil  and  anxiety."  Nor 
was  there  anything  better  to  be  seen  in  the  future.  A 
power  which  they  could  not  comprehend  overshadowed 
them.  And  these  superhuman  white  men,  clad  in  steel, 
thrusting  spears  and  swords  into"  their  flesh,  arraying 
the  very  thunder  and  lightning  against  them,  robbing 
them  of  their  lands  and  invading  their  household  hap- 
piness, had  come  to  stay.  Else  why  those  great 
houses  of  most  solid  structure  in  wood  and  stone, 
compared  with  which  their  mere  wigwams  were 
frail  as  birds'  nests?  Their  peculiar  life  of  ease 
and  peaceful  pleasure — one  which  poets  and  philosophers 
might  envy — with  wants  the  fewest  and  resources  of 


WW d«;WBM  ];i[>^?T>^-^wwaiyi>  ^■■iwaW.IW* 


*'WK'ai^»»^WfimMWii';'m<«»)i>f.im 


HTUDE. 

jected  to  some  slight 
as  selected  as  the 
neck,    the  die  being 

one  had  not  the  tri- 
le  was  to  be  arrested 
;rdinand  and  Isabella 
LCtment  of  Columbus. 
;se  tributes  might  be 
all  put  in  order  and 

to  keep  an  effective 

as  the  yoke  of  servi- 
thraldom  effectually 
)on  the  natives  when 
cted  upon  them,  en- 
recurring  periods, 
used  to  labor  of  any 
ked  idleness  of  their 
groves,  death  itself 
and  anxiety."  Nor 
;en  in  the  future.  A 
rehend  overshadowed 
ite  men,  clad  in  steel, 
their  flesh,  arraying 
gainst  them,  robbing 
their  household  hap- 
se  why  those  great 
in  wood  and  stone, 
ere  wigwams  were 
eculiar  life  of  ease 
loets  and  philosophers 
/est  and  resources  of 


HOPELESS  SLA  VERT. 


287 


nature  the  greatest,  was  now  forever  passed  away. 
Those  elysian  fields  and  groves,  where  they  had  loitered 
and  lounged  in  the  shade  by  day  and  sung  and  danced 
to  the  sylvan  drum  by  night,  were  now  to  be  scenes  of 
toil  and  moil  and  hopeless  servitude.  "Hewers  of 
wood,"  "  drawers  of  water,"  tillers  of  the  soil,  miners 
in  the  mountain  and  stream,  they  must  bend  to  the 
severest  labor  throughout  the  day,  and  lie  down  in 
weariness  and  despair  at  night.  Their  song  and  dance, 
once  the  very  expression  of  a  light  and  a  joyous  heart, 
now  degenerated  into  the  mere  voice  and  movement  of 
^melancholy.  They  even  recalled  prophecies  in  which 
their  ancestors  had  foretold  the  advent  of  strangers, 
clothed  and  bearing  swords  which  could  divide  one 
asunder  at  a  blow-,  who  should  conquer  and  enslave 
their  posterity. 

But  these  foreigners,  apparently  more  than  human 
—whether  demons  or  angels,  it  vras  hard  to  tell — 
tliese  beings  must  eat  and  drink,  and  seemed  very 
dependent  on  them  for  these  daily  necessities.  Herein 
might  lie  the  secret  of  their  power — they  would  starve 
these  white  men  out.  They,  the  natives,  could  live 
on  the  roots  and  herbs  and  scattered  fruits  of  the 
mountains,  and  could  find  shelter  in  the  caves  among 
the  rocks.  So  away  they  w^ent,  father,  mother,  and 
child,  to  try  the  desperate  experiment.  But  there  was 
more  in  the  undertaking  than  they,  in  their  sim- 
plicity of  heart,  had  taken  into  the  account.  The 
white  men  suflFered,  indeed,  for  want  of  the  immediate 
service  and  supplies  of  the  Indians,  but  they  had  all 
Spain  back  of  them,  and  the  distance  across  the  ocean 
was  every  day  becoming  shorter  and  less  formidable. 


■Ki- J  t^i.^'jis-te'i"'  -■  ^•ii*V"A'''*»iW>^'"-i-''-'''' 


288 


STARVING  OUT  THE  SPANIARDS. 


The  Indians,  especially  the  aged,  the  infirm,  the 
mother  with  her  infant  on  her  back,  and  the  still  more 
helpless  little  one,  fonnd  scanty  and  insufficient  fare 
when  so  far  away  from  the  fertile  valleys,  and  the 
chill  and  dampness  of  the  mountain  air  was  too  severe 
for  most  of  them  in  their  naked  exposure  to  the 
elements. 

But  even  in  this  miserable  resort  they  could  not 
escape  their  oppressors.  They  were  hunted  like  game 
in  their  mountain  fastnesses,  and  those  escaping  sick- 
ness and  death  were  brought  back  by  force  to  toil  in 
the  fields  and  in  the  mines.  -The  robustness  and  the 
irrepressible  mirthfulness  of  the  African  may  enable 
him  to  bear  up  under  the  great  wrongs  of  enslavement, 
but  the  frail,  moody,  melancholy  Indian,  dependent 
upon  the  ease  and  leisure  of  savage  life,  upon  that 
sweetness  of  nature  which  is  taken  into  the  soul  by 
quiet  observation  and  reflection,  sickens  and  dies 
under  its  trials  and  hardships.  The  natives  of  the 
islands  became  a  broken-hearted  people,  and  vanished, 
as  we  shall  see,  like  snow  under  the  sunny  days  of 
spring. 

But  the  saddest  item  in  this  dark  picture  of  the 
suiFering  natives  is  the  final  fate  of  that  kind-hearted 
cacique,  Guacanagari.  His  people,  along  with  the 
rest,  found  the  tax  very  grievous;  and,  as  he  had 
always  been  the  special  friend  and  ally  of  the  white 
man,  he  was  marked  down  by  his  v/hole  race  as  an 
aid  to  their  calamities.  Nor  does  it  seem  that  any 
discrimination  was  ever  made  in  favor  of  him  or  his 
people  by  the  Spaniards.  All  bore  alike  the  crushing 
weight  of  tax  and  toil  and  final  slavery.     How  could 


PANIARDS. 

ed,  the  infirm,  the 
^,  and  the  still  more 
and  insufficient  fare 
ile  valleys,  and  the 
in  air  was  too  severe 
;d   exposure   to   the 

:sort  they  could  not 
;re  hunted  like  game 
those  escaping  sick- 
ck  by  force  to  toil  in 

robustness  and  the 
African  may  enable 
ongs  of  enslavement, 
\j  Indian,  dependent 
vage  life,  upon  that 
ken  into  the  soul  by 
,    sickens    and    dies 

The  natives  of  the 
people,  and  vanished, 
r  the  sunny  days  of 

dark  picture  of  the 
of  that  kind-hearted 
pie,  along  with  the 
us ;  and,  as  he  had 
ad  ally  of  the  white 
lis  v/hole  race  as  an 
;s  it  seem  that  any 
ti  favor  of  him  or  his 
ire  alike  the  crushing 
slavery.     How  could 


SAD  FATE  OF  GUACANAGARJ. 


289 


one  of  his  generous  and  sensitive  nature  endure  the 
pains  and  cries  of  his  people,  the  contempt  and  hatred 
of  the  multitudes  of  hopelessly  afflicted  natives,  and 
the  vile  ingratitude  of  these  strangers,  whose  power  to 
crush  and  destroy  seemed  unlimited  ?  He,  too,  fled 
to  the  mountains,  and  there  died,  broken  hearted,  in 
some  lonely  haunt. 

Irving  excuses  Columbus  in  respect  to  this  melan- 
choly event  on  account  of  his  own  sufferings  and  his 
long  detention  in  Europe  at  the  time.  This  excuse  is 
worthy  of  consideration,  and,  in  view  of  the  cruel  cus- 
toms of  the  times,  we  are  inclined  to  make  the  most 
of  it ;  and  yet  there  is  no  denying  or  obscuring  the 
fact  that  the  "  Admiral  of  the  Ocean  Seas ''  did  not 
anticipate  the  humane  conceptions  of  the  nineteenth 
century.  His  policy  sacrificed  the  natives  of  His- 
paniola  to  that  insatiable  greed  for  gain  in  the  Spanish 
nation  which,  at  this  hour,  was  such  an  imminent 
peril  to  him  and  his  enterprise. 

Where  is  the  heart  that  will  not  ache  and  bleed  at 
the  review  of  such  scenes  of  human  suffering  ?  On 
whom  •  does  this  great  wrong  rest  ?  Not  on  any  one 
individual  alone;  certainly  not  on  Columbus  par- 
ticularly, though  he  must  forever  bear  his  share  of 
guilt  and  sin  against  the  most  sacred  rights  of 
humanity.  To  determine  the  rights  of  the  savage 
when  civilized  man  has  once  set  foot  on  his  soil  has 
never  been  an  easy  question,  and  is  by  no  means 
solved  at  the  present  time.  And  with  our  sense  of 
obligation  to  human  freedom  and  the  relief  of  human 
suffering  it  is  not  easy  to  judge  the  moral  sense,  con- 
science,  and  degree  of  guilt   in   these   far  different 


290 


ri/EX  AND  NOW. 


1 

ed  years    ■ 


sentiments  and  circnnistances  of  four  hundred 
ago.  In  an  age  when  the  highest  religious  conscious- 
ness of  an  enlightened  Christian  nation  could  justify 
the  horrors  of  the  Inquisition  we  must  not  be  too 
severe  on  a  sailor  and  self-made  man,  growing  up 
amidst  the  more  or  less  piratical  enterprises  then  com- 
mon to  the  high  seas.  Between  the  sentiments  and 
convictions  of  this  end  of  the  nineteenth  century  and 
those  of  the  latter  part  of  the  fifteenth  there  is  an  in- 
calculable distance.  We  have  at  least  had  the  immense 
moral  illuminations  of  the  Reformation  of  the  six- 
teenth century  since  then.-  After  all,  are  not  the 
strong  humanitarian  sentiments  so  characteristic  of  our 
own  time  of  comparative  recent  origin  ? 

Before  accompanying  Columbus  on  his  third  voyage 
it  will  be  necessary  to  notice  an  enterprise  in  another 
part  of  the  world,  fraught  with  the  greatest  con- 
sequences to  this  continent.  We  have  already  had 
occasion  to  notice  that  Bartholomew  Columbus  had  been 
sent  to  make  overtures  to  Henry  VII.  of  England  in 
behalf  of  his  brother  Christopher's  grand  scheme  in 
anticipation.  Whatever  the  King  may  have  thought 
of  this  man  of  the  "red  earth,"  with  his  map  so 
strangely  garnished  with  verses — whether  he  thought 
him  to  be  building  "  castles  in  the  air,"  or  to  indicate 
some  great  enterprise  well  worthy  of  attention — there 
was  soon  to  arise  among  his  people  a  citizen  of  foreign 
birth  and  accent  who  should  open  the  way  to  this  new 
world  about  to  be  discovered  on  the  other  side  of  the 
globe  for  the  establishment  of  the  English  language, 
civilization,  enterprise,  and  formulas  of  the  Christian 
religion.     Spain  may  unfurl   her  banner  and  plant  the 


«~;.^,|,pjg^-.^*ft^,^^.^feJ^:^y«fcp>^a^  \BXm>^S^m'»A' 


four  hundred  years 
t  religious  conscious- 
nation  could  justify 
ve  must  not  be  too 
le  man,  growing  up 
enterprises  then  com- 
the  sentiments  and 
iieteenth  century  and 
eenth  there  is  an  in- 
east  had  the  immense 
)rmation  of  the  six- 
ter  all,  are    not   the 

0  characteristic  of  our 
•igin  ? 

1  on  his  third  voyage 
enterprise  in  another 
i  the  greatest  con- 
^e  have  already  had 
vv  Columbus  had  been 
'  VII.  of  England  in 
;r's  grand  scheme  in 
g  may  have  thought 
I,"  with  his  map  so 
—whether  he  thought 
he  air,"  or  to  indicate 
y  of  attention — there 
e  a  citizen  of  foreign 
1  the  way  to  this  new 

the  other  side  of  the 
he  English  language, 
lias  of  the  Christian 
banner  and  plant  the 


JO//X  cA/for. 


zqi 


cross  on  the  islands  and  outlying  shores  of  the  new 
hemisphere,  but  the  little  island  of  the  Tudor  kings 
will  give  birth  to  the  nation  and  the  people  about  to 
occupy  the  heart  of  a  great  continent  and  develop  a  life 
of  such  unprecedented  freedom  and  prosperity  as  shall 
become  the  desideratum  of  all  mankind. 

For  many  years   Bristol,  noted   for  its  commercial 
enterprise,  had  been  the  point  of  departure  for  ships  to 
the   Iceland  fisheries,  thus  carrying  on  an  extensive 
trade  with  the  Norsemen,  and  for  nearly  a  score  of 
years  she  had  been  sending  out  expeditions  in  search 
of  the  fancied  island,  Brazil,  and  that  of  the  Seven 
Cities,  supposed  to  be  somewhere  to  the  west  of  Ireland. 
In  Bristol,  as  in  Spain  and  Portugal,  Genoa  was  rep- 
resented.   John  Cabot,  though  having  spent  in  Venice 
the  fifteen  years  necessary  to  gain  citizenship,*  claimed 
her  as  his  birthplace ;  and  when  the  news  arrived  that 
Christopher    Columbus,  a  fellow-townsman  by   birth, 
had  reached  the   Indies   by  sailing   to  the  west,  this 
"  foreign-born  "  citizen  of  Bristol— this  merchant-sailor— 
seeing  that  the  achievement  was  regarded  as  "more 
divine  than  human,"  felt  in  himself  "  a  great  flame  of 
desire  to  attempt  something  notable." 

Many  years  before,  while  in  Arabia,  he  had  inquired 
of  a  caravan  laden  with  spices  whence  these  commod- 
ities had  come.     Having  traced  them  from  hand  to 

'  John  Cabot  is  called  by  his  coiUemporaries  a  Venetian,  and  more  es- 
pecially a  citizen  of  Venice,  because  citizenship,  once  accorded  only  to  the 
nobility  or  privileged  class,  afterwards,  when  the  plague  set  a  premium  on 
population,  extended  to  one  who  married  a  Venetian  woman,  and  then  again 
was  restricted  to  those  having  resided  for  fifteen  years  consecutively  in  the 
city  of  Venice.  The  Senate,  in  1476,  admitted  Cabot  to  the  ordinary  and 
extra  privileges  of  citizenship  by  virtue  of  a  residence  of  fifteen  years. 

See  Harrissc,  Jean  et  Sebastian  Cabot,  p.  2. 


292 


HE  IMITATES  COLUytPUS. 


hand  into  the  far  east,  his  thonghts  had  been  aronsed  to 
the  desideratum  of  oriental  trade.  Whether  previously 
impressed  with  the  sphericity  of  the  earth  or  not,  he 
was  soon  capable  of  contemplating  or  even  making  a 
globe ;  and  he  could  thus  conceive  the  practicability  of 
a  western  route  to  the  land  of  spices.  Before  January 
of  1496  he  had  applied  to  the  King  of  England  for  aid 
to  undertake  a  voyage  similar  to  that  of  Columbus. 
Notification  to  this  effect  was  sent  home  to  the  sov- 
ereigns by  Puebla,  the  Spanish  embassador,  and  before 
they  could  send  back  their  warning,  that  such  an  enter- 
prise would  be  an  infringement  on  the  rights  of  Spain 
and  Portugal,  the  English  King  had  issued  his  patent  to 
Cabot  and  his  three  sons,  including  Sebastian,  that  they 
might  "  sail  to  the  east,  west,  or  north,  with  five  ships 
carrying  the  English  flag,  to  seek  and  discover  all  the 
islands,  countries,  regions,  or  provinces  of  pagans  in 
whatever  part  of  the  world,"  provided  they  would  return 
to  the  port  of  Bristol  and  give  the  King  one-fifth  of  the 
profits.  Permission  to  sail  south  was  not  granted  them, 
lest  they  should  encounter  the  enterprises  of  Spain,  or 
possibly  Portugal. 

On  a  May  morning,  1497,  the  one  solitary  ship, 
named  the  Matllinv^  sailed  away  to  the  northwest 
with  eighteen  men  on  board.  Probably  Sebastian  accom- 
panied his  father.  As  two  letters,  well  authenticated, 
indeed,  but  of  comparatively  recent  finding,  tell  about 
al'  that  is  certainly  known  of  this  voyage,  and  as  the 
letters  are  exceedingly  quaint  and  interesting,  we  will 
here  quote  them.  The  first  is  from  Lorenzo  Pasqualigo, 
a  London  merchant,  to  his  brothers  in  Venice,  August 
23,  1497,  and,  slightly  abridged,  reads  as  follows: 


:''i*niijasj.iggj^ 


Mj^   ».i^ijiii_i!;  ^Mrii_;injiil^^|i;i;ii;ilji'wii>fiji^  ^■ilJfWl'jjJll^JM  j^t_j>  jiT7t'i;[TflsytX't'^i-'t'r'y^^  tT-fffpj^"':-*^'-^--:'*'-^^^""'*'*^"^'^ 


7Af/Jr/S. 

had  been  aroused  to 
Whether  previously 
Lhc  earth  or  not,  he 
J  or  even  making  a 
the  practicability  of 
es.  Before  January 
y  of  England  for  aid 
»  that  of  Columbus, 
it  home  to  the  sov- 
ibassador,  and  before 
I,  that  such  an  enter- 
I  the  rights  of  Spain 
A  issued  his  patent  to 
:  Sebastian,  that  they 
orth,  with  five  ships 
and  discover  all  the 
vinces  of  pagans  in 
led  they  would  return 
King  one-fifth  of  the 
ras  not  granted  thera, 
:erprises  of  Spain,  or 

e  one  solitary  ship, 
y  to  the  northwest 
ibly  Sebastian  acconi- 
,  well  authenticated, 
It  finding,  tell  about 
is  voyage,  and  as  the 
interesting,  we  will 
1  Lorenzo  Pasqualigo, 
rs  in  Venice,  August 
eads  as  follows : 


PA  S^  r.i  A /GO' S  I.  E  TTli  R. 


293 


"The  Venetian,  our  countryman,  who  went  with,  a 
ship  from  Bristol,  is  returned,  and  says  that  700  leagues 
hence  he  discovered  land  in  the  territory  of  the  Grand 
Cham.     He  coasted  300  leagues  and  landed,  saw   no 
human  beings,  but  brought  to  the  King  certain  snares 
to  catch  game,  and  a  needle  for  making  nets  ;  was  three 
months  on  the  voyage.     The  King  has  promised   that 
in  the  spring  our  countryman  shall  have  ten  ships. 
The   King  has    also  given   him   numey  wherewith  to 
amuse  himself  till  then,  and  he  is  now  in  Bri.stol  with 
his  wife,  who  is  also  a  Venelian,  and  with  his   sons. 
His  name  is  Zuau  Cabot,  and  he  is  styled  the  Great 
Admiral.     Vast  honor  is  paid  him.     The  discoverer 
planted  on  his  new-found  land  a  large  cross,  with  one 
flag  of  England  and  one  of  St.  Mark,  by  reason  of  his 
l)eing  a   Venetian."     =''     '==     ''     (Venetian  Calendars,  i, 
262.)     The  same  author  says  that  Cabot,  the  Grand 
Admiral,  was  ''  dressed   in  silk,  and  the  English  ran 
after  him  like  crazy  men." 

The  other  letter  is  by  Raimondo  de  Soncino  to  the 
Duke  of  Milan,  written  from  London  and  found  in  the 
state  archives  of  Milan  : 
'•  Most  Illustrious  and  Kxccllvnt  My  Lord  : 

"  Perhaps,  among  your  Excellency's  many  occupa- 
tions, it  may  not  displease  you  to  learn  how  his 
Majesty  here  has  won  a  part  of  Asia  without  a  stroke 
of  the  sword.  There  is  iji  this  kingdom  a  Venetian 
fellow,  Master  John  Caboto  by  name,  of  a  fine  mind, 
greatly  skilkd  in  navigation,  who  seeing  that  those 
most  serene  kings,  first  he  of  Portugal,  and  then  the 
one  of  Spain,  have  occupied  unknown  islands,  deter- 
mined to  make  a  like  acquisition  for  his  Majesty  afore- 


lgtidBjibi^JiBP53fi.s!feapi4iiia>J«r. 


2c).|     JiAiMoxnn  nn  .soxc/xo's  i.ETTF.n. 

said.       And    having    ohuiincd    royal    js^rants    that    he 
should  hiivi-  the  usufnul  of  all  that  he  should  discover, 
provided  that  the  owuership  of  the  same  is  reserved  to 
the  Crown,  with  a  small  ship  and  eighteen  persons  he 
committed  himself  to  fortune;  and  having  set  out  from 
Bristol,  a   western   port  of  this   kingdom,   and  passed 
the  western  limits   of  Hihernia,'  and  then  standing  to 
the  northward  he  began  to  steer  eastward,'Meaving  (after 
a  few  days)  the   North   star  on  his  right   hand;  and, 
having  wandered  about  considerably,  at  last  he  fell  in 
with    terra  firma,    where,  having    planted    the    royal 
banner  and  taken  possession  -on   behalf  of  this   King 
and  taken  certain  tokens,  he  has  returned  thence.    The 
said  Master  John,  as  being  foreign-born  and  poor,  would 
not  be   believed  if  his  comrades,  who   are  almost  all 
Knglishmen    and    from    Hristol,  did   not   testify   that 
what    he    says    is    true.      This   Master  John   has  the 
description  of  the  world  in  a  chart,  and  also  in  a  solid 
globe  which   he  has  made,  and  he  (or  the  chart  and 
the  globe)   shows  where   he   landed,  and   that   going 
towards  the  east'  he  passed  considerably  beyond  the 
country  of  the  Tanais/      And  they  say  that  it  was  a 
very  good  and  temperate  country,  and  they  think  that 
Brazil-wood   and   silk   grow   there ;   and   they   affirm 
that  that  sea  is  covered  with  fishes,  which  are  caught 
not  only  with  the  net,  but  with  baskets,  a  stone  being 
tied  to  them  in  order  that  the  baskets  may  sink  in  the 
water.     And  this  I  heard  the  said  Master  John  relate ; 
and  the  aforesaid  Englishmen,  his  comrades,  say  that 
they  will  bring  so  many  fishes  that  this  kingdom  will 


'  Ireland. 

-This  must  mean  westward. 


"  Evidently  west. 
*  This  is  obscure. 


.9  LETTER. 

il  jirrants  that  he 
lie  should  discover, 
same  is  reserved  to 
■i>;lUeen  persons  he 
luivin^  set  out  from 
ij^doin,  and  passed 
id  then  standing  to 
,vard,'Mcaving  (after 
ri^ht  hand  ;  and, 
y,  at  last  he  fell  in 

planted    the    royal 
ehalf  of  this  King 
urned  thence.    The 
orn  and  poor,  would 
vho   are  almost  all 
id   not   testify   that 
lister  John  has  the 
,  and  also  in  a  solid 
e  (or  the  chart  and 
;d,  and   that   going 
lerably  beyond  the 
jy  say  that  it  was  a 
and  they  think  that 
: ;   and   they   affirm 
1,  which  are  caught 
skets,  a  stone  being 
:ets  may  sink  in  the 
Master  John  relate ; 

comrades,  say  that 
It  this  kingdom  will 

vidently  west. 
Ills  is  obscure. 


liMStONDO  DE  sn.XCfXO'S  LETT  Eli.      295 

no  longer  have  need  of  Iceland,  from  wliieh  couiilry 
there  comes  a  very  great  store  of  fisl;,  which  are  tailed 
stock-fish.       Hut  Master  John  has  set    his   mind   on 
something    greater,  for  he   expects   to  go  farther  on 
towards  the  east  from  that  place  already  occupied,  con- 
stantly   hugging    the    shore    until    he    shall    be   over 
against  (or  "on  the  other  side  of")   an  island  by  him 
called    Cipango,    situated    in    the    e(|uiiioctial    region, 
where   he  thinks  all  the  spices  of  the  world,  and  also 
the   precious  stones,  originate;    and   he  says  that  m 
former   times    he    was    at    Mecca,  whither   spices    are 
brought  by  caravans  Irom  distant  c<.untries,  and  that 
those  who  brought  them,  on  being  asked  where  the 
said  spices  grow,  answered  that  they  do  not  know,  but 
that   other  caravans  come  to   their   homes    with  this 
merchandise    from   distant  countries,  and  these  (cara- 
vans) again  say  that  they  are  brought  to  them  from 
other  remote  regions.     And  he  argues  thus  :   that  if 
the  Orientals  affirmed  to  the  southerners  that  these 
things  come  from  a  distance  from  them,  and  so  from 
hand  to  hand,  presupposing  the  rotundity  of  the  earth, 
it  must  be  that  the  last  ones  get  them  at  the  north 
towards  the  west ;  and  he  said  it  in  such  a  way  that, 
having  nothing  to  gain  or  to  lose  by  it,  I  too  believe  it ; 
and,  what  is  more,  the  King  here,  who  is  wise  and  not 
lavish,  likewise  puts  some  faith  in  him,  for  (ever)  since 
his  return  he  has  made  good  provision  for  him,  as  the 
sa    -  Master  John  tells  me.  *  And  it  is  said  that  in  the 
spru.g  his  Majesty  aforesaid  will  fit  out  son'c  ships, 
and  will  besides  give  him  all  the  convicts,  and  they  will  go 
to  that  country  to  make  a  colony,  by  means  of  which 
they  hope  to  establish  in  Loudon  a  greater  storehouse 


296 


RAIMONDO  DF.  SONCINOS  LETTER. 


of  spices  than  there  is  in  Alexandria,  and  the  chief  me 
of  the  enterprise  are  of  Bristol,  great  sailors,  who,  no\ 
that  they  know  where  to  go,  say  that  it  is  not  a  voyag 
of  more  than  fifteen  days,  nor  do  they  ever  have  storm 
after  they  get  away  from  Hibernia.  I  have  also  talke 
with  a  Burgundian,  a  comrade  of  Master  John's,  wh 
confirms  everything,  and  wishes  to  retnrn  thithe 
because  the  Admiral  (for  so  Master  John  alread 
entitles  himself)  has  given  him  an  island ;  and  he  ha 
given  another  one  to  a  barber  of  his  from  Castiglion( 
of  Genoa,  and  both  of  them  regard  themselves  s 
counts,  nor  does  my  Lord  the  Admiral  esteem  himse 
anything  less  than  a  prince.  I  think  that  with  th: 
expedition  there  will  go  s^ve^al  poor  Italian  monks,  wh 
have  all  been  promised  bishoprics.  And,  as  I  ha\ 
become  a  friend  of  the  Admiral,  if  I  wished  to  go  thith( 
I  should  get  an  archbishopric.  But  I  have  thougl 
that  the  benefices  which  your  Excellency  has  in  stoi 
for  me  are  a  surer  thing ;  and  therefore  I  beg  that  if  the 
should  fall  vacant  in  my  absence,  you  will  cause  posse 
sion  to  be  given  to  me,  taking  measures  to  do  this  rathi 
(especially)  where  it  is  needed  in  order  that  they  be  n^ 
taken  from  me  by  others,  who  because  they  are  presei 
can  be  more  diligent  than  I,  who  in  this  country  ha^ 
been  brought  to  the  pass  of  eating  ten  or  twelve  dishi 
at  every  meal,  and  sitting  at  table  three  hours  at  a  tin 
twice  a  day,  for  the  sake  of  your  Excellency,  to  whom 
commend  myself. 

"  Your  Excellency's 

"  Very  humble  servant, 

"  Raimondus. 
"  London,  Dec.  18,  i497-" 


!!B!!»^w«5SS^^wEnBws««ara«BOB(W!SS^^ 


'CI NO'S  LETTER. 

jcandria,  and  the  chief  men 
ol,  great  sailors,  who,  now 
say  that  it  is  not  a  voyage 

do  they  ever  have  storms 
lernia.  I  have  also  talked 
de  of  Master  John's,  who 
vishes  to  return  thither 
so  Master  John  already 
ini  an  island ;  and  he  has 
■  of  his  from  Castiglione, 
m  regard  themselves  as 
e  Admiral  esteem  himself 
;.  I  think  that  with  this 
al  poor  Italian  monks,  who 
lioprics.  And,  as  I  have 
al,  if  I  wished  to  go  thither 
ric.  Bnt  I  have  thought 
Lir  Excellency  has  in  store 

therefore  I  beg  that  if  they 
mce,  you  will  cause  posses- 
l  measures  to  do  this  rather 
id  in  order  that  they  be  not 
o  because  they  are  present 
,  who  in  this  country  have 
eating  ten  or  twelve  dishes 

table  three  hours  at  a  time 
our  Excellency,  to  whom  I 

:y's 

nble  servant, 

"  Raimondus. 


CABOT S  SECOND   VOVAGE. 


297 


We  have  preferred  to  give  these  letters  to  our  read- 
ers, because  they  so  vividly  illustrate  the  times  of  Lou- 
don in  that  most  interesting  epoch. 

The  following  year  the  King  was  again   petitioned 
for   letters-patent   in    pursuance    of    another   voyage. 
The    favor  was    promptly  and   cordially  granted,  six 
ships  being  named  for  "  our  well-beloved  John  Kabotto, 
Venician,"  "  any  statute,  acte  or  ordenaunce  to  the  con- 
trary e  made  or  to  be  made  in  any  wise  notwithstanding." 
It  is  altogether  probable  that  Sebastian   sailed  with 
his  father's  company  of,  perhaps,  three  hundred  men. 
The  flag-ship  was  accompanied  by  three  or  four  small 
ships,  in  which  "  divers  merchants  of  London  ventured" 
''  small  stocks,"  both  "  slight  and  gross  merchandises, 
as  coarse  cloth,  caps,  laces,  points,  and  other  trifles."* 
Evidently   this    was    the  joint   fleet  of    Bristol   and 
London  making  for  the  historical  point  of  departure, 
viz.,  "  Cowes  and  a  market."    "  These  ships  did  shortly 
after  pass  gallantly  by  Greenwich,  in  the  King's  pres- 
ence, one  of  the  mariners  standing  upon  the  main  top- 
mast of  one  of  them."^     One  vessel,  much  damaged  by 
a  storm,  was  obliged  to  put  back  into  an  Irish  port. 
We  hear  no  more  of  John  Cabot,  who  was  probably 
lost  on  the  voyage,  his  son  Sebastian  succeeding  to  the 
mastership   of  the  squadron.      "Those  ships,"  says 
Holinshed,  "  at  the  last  arrived  in  the  country  of  Mos- 
covia,  not  without  great  loss  and  danger,  and  namely 
of  their  captain,  who  was  a  worthy  and  adventurous 
gentleman  called  Sir  Hugh  Willoughby,  Knight,  who 
being  tossed  and  driven  by  tempest,  he  was  at  the  last 
found  in  his  ship  frozen  to  death  and  all  his  people." 


1  Fabien's  Chronicle. 


»  Lanquet's  Epitome  Eng.  Chron. 


t^tmaf.tsiiimisis»mm^aa:ii»*^ 


298 


rilE  EXTENT  OF  THE    VOYAGE. 


The  extent  of  the  voyage  along  the  North  American 
coast  is  not  known.     The  fleet  must  have  reached  very 
far  north,  as  many  died  of  the  cold  in  July ;  and  it 
may  have  been  as  far  south  as  the  Chesapeake  Bay, 
possibly  not  farther  than  somewhere  in  New  England. 
Peter  Martyr,  who  was  an  intimate  friend  of  Sebastian 
Cabot  during  his  sojourn  in   Spain,'  says,  that   Sebas- 
tian Cabot  went  so  far  north  "  that  even  in  the  month 
of  July  he  found  monstrous  heaps  of  ice  swimming  on 
the  sea,"  and  that  he  went  so  far  south  that  he  was  in 
the  latitude  of    36.      In  the  Labrador    region,  Peter 
Martyr  mentions  the  multittides  of  big  fishes  which 
impeded  the  progress  of  the  vessels  ;  that  the  inhabi- 
tants of  those  regions  were  clothed  in   the  skins  of 
beasts,  and   that   there   was   such  a  "  great   plenty  of 
bears,"  which  used  to  eat  fish,  that  "  plunging  them- 
selves into  the  water,  where  they  perceive  a  multitude 
of  these  fishes  to  lie,  they  fasten  their  claws  in  their 
scales  and  so  draw  them  to  land  and  eat  them." 

There  may  have  been  a  third  voyage  by  Sebastian 
Cabot,  for  Stow's  Chronicle,  1502,  says:  "This  year 
were  brought  unto  the  King  three  men  taken  in  the 
new-found  islands  by  Sebastian  Gaboto,  before  named, 
in  anno  1468.    These  men  were  clothed  in  beasts'  skins, 

'  Having  m.irried  a  Spanish  lady,  Sebastian  Cabot  went  to  Spain  soon 
after  the  death  of  Henry  VH.,  and  entered  the  service  of  King  Ferdinand  in 
1512.  Charles  V.  appointed  him  Pilot  Major  of  Spain  in  1518;  in  1524  he 
was  in  the  council  of  Badajos;  and  a  few  years  later  he  went  c.i  his  disas- 
trous expedition  to  the  La  Plata,  irom  which  he  was  returned  a  prisoner  bv 
his  mutinous  crew.  Being  unjustly  condemned  to  an  African  exile  for  two 
vears,  he  was  pardoned  by  the  Emperor  and  restored  as  Pilot  M.njor.  We 
find  him  in  England  again  in  1548  as  governor  of  a  company  of  merchants 
who  are  trying  to  find  a  northeast  passage  to  China.  In  1556  he  is  president 
of  a  Muscovy  company  opening  a  trade  with  Russia  by  w.iy  of  the  White 
Sea.     He  died  in  London  about  I5S7- 


E    VOYAGE. 

the  North  American 
ist  have  reached  verj' 
cold  in  July ;  and  it 
the  Chesapeake  Bay, 
ere  in  New  England, 
te  friend  of  Sebastian 
in/  says,  that  Sebas- 
at  even  in  the  month 
s  of  ice  swimming  on 
south  that  he  was  in 
brador  region,  Peter 
.  of  big  fishes  which 
sels  ;  that  the  inhabi- 
thed  in  the  skins  of 
ti  a  "  great  plenty  of 
lat  "  plunging  them- 

perceive  a  multitude 
1  their  claws  in  their 
and  eat  them." 

voyage  by  Sebastian 
)2,  says  :  "  This  year 
ree  men  taken  in  the 
Gaboto,  before  named, 
iothed  in  beasts'  skins, 


roSSIBL  r  A   THIRD   VO  VA  GE. 


299 


an  C.nbot  went  to  Sp.iin  soon 
5  service  of  King  Ferdinand  in 
r  of  Spain  in  1518;  in  1524  lie 
irs  later  he  went  c.i  his  disas- 
he  was  returned  a  prisoner  l\v 
ned  to  an  African  exile  for  two 
restored  as  Pilot  M.njor.  We 
lor  of  a  company  of  merchants 
China.  In  1556  he  is  president 
h  Russia  by  way  of  the  White 


and  ate  raw  flesh,  but  spake  such  a  language  as  no 
man  could  understand  them  ;  of  the  which  three  nien, 
two  of  them  were  seen  in  the  King's  court  at  West- 
minster, two  years  after,  clothed  like  Englishmen,  and 
could  not  be  discenied  from  Englishmen." 

The  famous  Cabot  voyages  were  of  little  immediate 
result  to  England,  since  they  did  not  find  the  riches 
of  India  ;  but  in  after  years,  when  men  learned  that 
an  immense  continent,  rich  in  all  the  great  resources 
of  nature,  is  not  to  be  thrown  away,  those  same  voy- 
ages gave  us  the  great   English-speaking  peoples  of 

North  America. 

Peter  Martyr  says  that  Sebastian  Cabot  was  carried 
into  England  by  his  parents  when  he  was  "  but  in  man- 
ner an  infant,"  and  Ramusio's  statement  is  similar,  but 
the  English  chroniclers  generally  say  he  was  born  in 
IhistoL     In  the  occupancy  of  North  America  by  the 
English,  the  fact  that  Sebastian  Cabot  was  an  English- 
man  was   of    such   prime    importance    that   the   pre- 
eminence, in  the  discovery  of  the  continent,  due  to  his 
father,  a  native  of  Genoa  and  a  citi/.en  of  Venice,  seems 
to  have  been  studiously  kept  in  the  shade.     In  all  con- 
temporary  history   of   England,    Sebastian's    English 
birthplace  was  empha.sized,  and  he  was  made  so  promi- 
nent in  the  two  voyages— so  blended  as  to  appear  like 
one— that  were  it  not  for  the  original  petitions  to  King 
Henry  VII.,  and  his  letters-patent,  and  the  letters  of 
foreign  embassadors  recently  found  in  the  archives  of 
Milan  and  Venice,  Sebastian  would  appear  as  the  mam 
figure    not  only  to  the  exclusion  of  his  brothers,  but 
even  to  the  eclipse  of  his  father.     The  aim  and  inten- 
tion of  all  this  goes  to  the  dispute  and  ruin  of  all  the 


aaaasgetiiatMiMiif.iiiiiWM'iiiaw^''''''- 


300  HARJilSSE'S  ARGUMENT. 

claims  of  prior  discovery.  It  advances  and  substantially 
establishes  the  right  of  England  by  an  English-born 
citizen  to  the  co-ordinate  if  not  the  first  survey  of  the 
North  American  coast. 

The  astute  and  incisive  Harrisse,  who  has  added  so 
much  to  our  critical  knowledge  of  certain  detailed  facts 
and  dates,  is  entitled  to  great  credit  in  the  distinction  he 
has  achieved  by  his  notes  and  biographies  of  Columbus 
and  Cabot.     None  of  the  writers  who  have  treated  of  the 
progress   of  discovery  have  been    free  from  prejudice, 
each  assuming  his  peculiar  views  and  theories.     Har- 
risse, who  we  believe  is  an  'American  born,  although  a 
domiciliated  Frenchman,  whether  naturalized  or  not,  like 
the  Venetian  citizenship  of  Cabot,  has  his  very  positive 
leanings.     He  cites  Blackstone  as  published  in   New 
York  to  settle  the  law  of  England  in  the  days  of  Henry 
Vn.     He  assumes  that  the  patent  granted  to  the  Cabots 
by  the  Crown  denaturalizes  them  upon  an  arithmetical 
inference  deduced  from  the  date  of  the  Venetian  nat- 
uralization.     He   quotes   contradictory  citations  from 
Richard  Eden's  marginal  note  on  Peter  Martyr's  chron- 
icles and  from  Contarini  the  embassador's  correspond- 
ence.    The  latter  says  concerning  Cabot :    "  He  said  to 
me,  Seiior   Embassador,  to   say   it  all,  I  was  born   at 
Venice,  but  I  was  raised  and  bred  in  England,"  whilst, 
the  marginal  note  in  the  chronicles  affirms  :  "  Sebastian 
Cabot  said  to  me  that  he  was  born  at  Bristol,  but  at  the 
age   of  four  he  was  carried  by  his  father   to  Venice, 
aiid  after  a  certain  number  of  years  he  returned  to  Eng- 
land, where  it  was  assumed  that  he  was  a  Venetian  b> 
birth."     Harrisse  asks,  "  Which  of  these  declarations  is 
to   be  credited?"     And  he  quotes  Peter  Martyr,  who 


{ -» 


UMENT. 

inces  and  substantially 
d  by  an  English-born 
the  first  survey  of  the 

isse,  who  has  added  so 
)f  certain  detailed  facts 
dit  in  the  distinction  he 
:)graphies  of  Columbus 
who  have  treated  of  the 
11    free  from  prejudice, 
vs  and  theories.     Har- 
rican  born,  although  a 
r  naturalized  or  not,  like 
it,  has  his  very  positive 
as  published  in    New 
id  in  the  days  of  Henry 
It  granted  to  the  Cabots 
n  upon  an  arithmetical 
e  of  the  Venetian  nat- 
adictory  citations  from 
n  Peter  Martyr's  chron- 
nibassador's  correspond- 
iig  Cabot :    "  He  said  to 
r   it  all,  I  was  born   at 
■ed  in  England,"  whilst, 
:les  affirms  :  "  Sebastian 
irn  at  Bristol,  but  at  the 
yr  his  father   to  Venice, 
ears  he  returned  to  Eng- 
it  he  was  a  Venetian  by 
I  of  these  declarations  is 
otes  Peter  Martyr,  who 


MARTYR  AND  CONTARINl. 


301 


reports  Sebastian  Cabot  as  "  born  in  Venice,  but  trans- 
ported to  England  when  but  an  infant."  These  are 
almost  the  same  words  as  Contarini's.  There  could  be 
no  collusion  between  the  statements,  because  Peter 
Martyr's  was  printed  six  years  before  the  arrival  of 
Contarini  in  Spain.  Harrisse  does  not  remark  that  Peter 
Martyr  as  a  Spanish  writer,  and  Contarini  as  r  Spanish 
diplomat,  arc  maintaining  the  Spanish  or  foreign  side 
of  a  controversy  under  confessed  diplomatic  and  parti- 
san auspices.  It  is  unnecessary  to  comment  on  such  a 
biased  statement  of  the  case. 

Harrisse,  therefore,  sets  aside  the  words  of  Cabot  as 
migatory    because  contradictory,  and  he   puts  forward 
what  he  calls  the  legal  documents  and  a  legal  view  of 
the  case.     The  petition  addressed  to   Henry  VH.,  in 
1496,  is  entered  in  the  names  of  Ludovic,  Sebastian, 
and  of  Sancho  Cabot,  and  Jean,  their  father,  does  not 
assume  or  declare  himself  to  be  legal  guardian  of  them 
as  infants.     The  sons,  on  the  contrary,  appear  in  their 
individual  capacity.     The  letters-patent,  dated  the  5th 
of  March,  1496,  so  enumerates  the  four  grantees.     It  is 
not  a  joint  concession,  and  in  its  terms  is  an  individual 
s^rant  to  each   by  name,   their  heirs,   successors,  and 
assigns.     '*  Dilectis  nobis,  Johanni  Caboto,  civi  Venitia- 
rum,   ac    Ludovico,    Sebastian©  et    Sancto  filiis  dicti 
Johannis,  et  eorum  ac  cujus  lebet  eorum.      Hereditus 
et  deputatis." 

Harrisse  then  appeals  to  Blackstone's  Commentaries, 
published  in  New  York  in  185 1,  to  show  that  this  grant 
could  not  vest  if  the  three  sons  were  minors ;  and  there- 
fore they  must  be  of  age,  which  would  carry  their  birth 
back  to  Venice,  anterior  to  their  father's  naturalization. 


302 


BLACK  STONE  AND  HENRY  VII. 


The  parliament  alone,  he  says,  possessed  this  power,  with- 
out which  a  concession  based  merely  on  the  royal  grant 
would  have  been  of  no  avail.  He  therefore  appeals  to 
the  common  law  of  England  as  an  impassable  barrier  to 
the  claim  of  Sebastian  Cabot  as  an  Englishman,  and 
an  incontrovertible  proof  of  his  foreign  birth,  notwith- 
standing his  own  assertions  and  those  of  all  the  chron- 
icles and  records  of  the  time  to  the  contrary.  In  this 
amateur  legal  dictum  Harrisse  does  not  say  that  he  has 
proof  that  the  authority  of  parliament  was  wanting ; 
prima  fade,  if  needed,  such  authority  is  implied  in  the 
record  he  produced  of  the' grant,  and  the  record  is  the 
proof  of  such  necessary  action  in  the  law.  The  Latin 
text  above  quoted  specifically  mentions  the  Venetian 
citizenship  of  John,  the  father,  and  the  other  names  are 
given  separately  and  expressly  without  such  qualifica- 
tions. If  it  was  requisite  to  give  the  citizenship  of  John, 
the  sentence  is  framed  so  as  not  to  include  the  sons. 

The  specious  presentation  of  this  subject  would  be  of 
slight  account  if  it  did  not  allege  documentary  and 
legal  proof,  where  the  most  trivial  examination  will 
show  the  absence  of  both.  Blackstone  has  nothing  to 
do  with  it  in  1851.  The  statutes  in  the  time  of  Henry 
VII.,  whatever  they  may  have  been,  were  supplemented 
and  declared  in  the  King's  patent  and  the  obviously 
implied  legal  action  of  the  cabinet,  the  lords,  the  com- 
mons, and  the  whole  routine  necessary  to  make  such 

patent  good. 

We  must  therefore  relegate  Mr.  Harrisse  to  the  ranks 
of  the  foreign  antagonists  to  the  English  claim  of  the 
birthright  of  Cabot,  and  the  credit  derived  from  the  dis- 
coverie?  of  the  English  sailors  of  the  city  of  Bristol. 


.■1 


^•^litTBg^^wE^i^iwa^i^iBss^^^^^sBa^i^jiegs^ia^i^igBW 


IlENRT  VII. 

issessed  this  power,  with- 
srely  on  the  royal  grant 
3e  therefore  appeals  to 
an  impassable  barrier  to 
IS  an  Englishman,  and 

foreign  birth,  notwith- 
1  those  of  all  the  chron- 

the  contrary.  In  this 
loes  not  say  that  he  has 
rliament  was  wanting; 
hority  is  implied  in  the 
it,  and  the  record  is  the 

in  the  law.     The  Latin 

mentions  the  Venetian 
and  the  other  names  are 
•  without  such  qualifica- 
e  the  citizenship  of  John, 
t  to  include  the  sons. 

this  subject  would  be  of 
illege  documentary  and 
trivial  examination  will 
ackstone  has  nothing  to 
:es  in  the  time  of  Henry 
been,  were  supplemented 
itent  and  the  obviously 
)inet,  the  lords,  the  corn- 
necessary  to  make  such 


Mr.  Harrisse  to  the  ranks 
he  English  claim  of  the] 
edit  derived  from  the  dis- 
of  the  city  of  Bristol. 


THE  ARITHMETICAL  INFERENCE.        303 

As  to  the  arithmetical  deduction  from  the  legal  doc- 
uments,  Harrisse  alone  presumes  the  existence   of   a 
maritime  requirement,  which  must  apply  the  majority  age 
of  twenty-one  to  a  ship's  officer  or  a  marine  sailor  in  the 
age  of  Henry  VH.     There  never  was  such  requirement, 
neither  in  the  mercantile  nor  in  the  royal  navy  of  any 
nation,  so  far  as  we  know.     Nelson  entered  the  British 
navy  at  the  age  of  thirteen,  gained  his  great  renown  in 
Indian    and    European    battles,    fought    through   the 
American   war,  and  was  made  a  post   captain  at   the 
age  of  twenty-one.     The  difference  in  time  between  the 
naturalization  at  Venice  and   the  date  of    the    letters 
patent — the  difference  between  1476  and    1496 — proves 
that  they  were   of  competent  age;  but  as  there  is  no 
mention  nor  record  of  their  naturalization  or  birth  in 
Venice,  nor  in  any  authenticated  document  produced  of 
their  abode  elsewhere  than  in  England,  the  arithmetical 
presumption  goes  for  naught.     Ludovico  and  Sancho 
have  not  been  thought  of  sufficient  importance,  and 
Sebastian  alone,  by  his  discoveries  and   distinguished 
career,  has  been  exclusively  discussed  in  this  connection. 
Assuming  him  to  be  the  second  son,  as  named  in  the 
grant,  would  still  leave  the  fact  of  his  being  the  youngest 
open  to  conjecture.     There  is  no  argument  whatever, 
and  no  fact  alleged,  inconsistent  with  Sebastian  Cabot's 
English  nativity  to  be  argued  from  the  dates,  making 
twenty    years-    between  the    Venetian    naturalization 
and  the  English  concession,  and  the  English  preroga- 
tives of  discovery   derived   from  a  citizen  of  English 
birth. 

In  these  statements  we  present  an   epitome  of  the 
facts  and  the  dispute  regarding  the  English  claims  to 


THF  SPHERE  OF  DISPUTE. 
304  '"' 

the  discovery  of  North  America.     The  French  abettors 
o rdnplain,  Cartier.  and  othe« ;  the  Dntch  presen- 
tation of   Hndson;    'he  Florentmes  w,th  Ve    ncc  n. 
„nv  continne  to  dispntc  these  questions,  bnt  «>c  great 
;  «=^U    anains  exclnsively  segregated  npon  the  broad 
fold  of  colonisation  and  possession  that  the  Spaniard 
and  the  English  divide  the  actnal  and  final  sphere  of  he 
topi      Perhaps,  from  this  practical  point  of  v,ew,  the 
r  s?  of  t,  in  the  cnrt  manner  of  Harrisse  h.mself  nray 
te  dismissed  as  only  among  the  enterta.nmg  episodes  of 

history. 


)isruTE. 

The  French  abettors 
j;  the  Dutch  preseii- 
nes  with  Vespticcius, 
estions,  but  the  great 
^ated  upon  the  broad 
m,  that  the  Spaniards 
and  final  sphere  of  the 
tical  point  of  view,  the 
Harrisse  himself,  may 
jntertaiuing  episodes  of 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

THE  AFKAIRvS  OF  THE  NEW  WORLD  IN  SPAIN. 

ET  us  now  cross  the  Atlantic  and  see  how 
the  affairs  of  the  New  World  stand  in  Spain. 
^^^^^^^^^^    Columbus  judged  rightly.     Margarite  and 
Friar  Buil  have  been  doing  their  utmost  to  prejudice 
the  sovereigns  against  him  and  his  enterprise.     The 
islands  they  regard  as  a  worthless  discovery,  contain- 
ing neither  gold,  spices,  nor  anything  else  worth  the 
vast  expense  necessary  to   obtain   them.      They   are 
simply  a  good  place  to  sicken  and  die  among  savages. 
As    for    the    Admiral,    his    administration    is    most 
miserable.      When  the   colonists   are   sick    he   taxes 
them   with   excessive   labor;    for    the    most    trifling 
peccadilloes  he  stops  their  rations,  at  the  great  peril  of 
their  health ;  upon  the  common  people  he  inflicts  the 
severest  punishments,  and  upon  gentlemen  heaps  the 
most  humiliating  indignities.     To  crown  the  evils  of 
the  new  settlement,  it  was  altogether  probable  that  he 
had  perished  in  his  foolhardy  continuation  of  the  dis- 
covery of  new  territories.     Of  course  there  was  a  vast 
other   side   to  the   whole  matter,  on  which  they  were 
silent.      Nothing  was  mentioned  of  the   great  emer- 
gencies of  the  new  settlement  in  the  wilderness,  calling 
for   almost    herculean   efforts;    nor  of    the   reckless 
idleness  and  crime,  which  demanded  severe  measures. 
No  one  regarded  the  fact  that  the  supplies  taken  out 
in  the  second  voyage  were  inadequate  to  the  wants  of 


:,kiv:^i»vis-'uMieSi»iemmam^sim»-v»i>'-^'-'-^^t*em 


3o6 


JUAN  AGUADO, 


so  many,  and  that  nincli  of  it  had  spoiled  ;  that  the 
Admiral,  wishing  to  relieve  the  burdens  of  the  Crown 
as  much  as  possible,  hoped  to  replenish  his  scanty 
larder  by  a  speedy  development  of  the  resources  of  the 
island.  Nor  could  he,  in  his  ready  adaptation  to  every 
needed  industry,  sympathize  with  those  delicate  souls 
to  whom  work  was  worse  than  death.  But  Columbus 
had  no  competent  advocate  at  court  to  rebut  the  one- 
sided exaggerations. 

In    view   of    all   these   charges    and    discouraging 
reports,  it  cannot  be   said   that    the   sovereigns   were 
unreasonably   moved.      But  -  precautionary   measures 
were  necessary,  for  the  more  official   reports   of  ^lar- 
garite  and  Friar  Buil  were  sustained  by  others  who 
had  returned  from  the  colony,  some  of  whom  were  so 
connected  and  related  as  to  have  no  small  influence 
over  persons  of  rank.      Some   properly  qualified  per- 
•son  must  be  sent  out  to  make  an  official  investigation 
of    affairs,  and    to    assume    the   government   if    the 
Admiral  did  not  return,  for   his   brothe,-   had  been 
rendered   so   unpopular   as   to   make  their  ruling  as 
deputies  unsafe.     If  the  Viceroy  were  on  the  ground, 
he   was   simply   to   report   the   evils  existing  m  the 
island,  their  causes,  and  the  remedies  to  be  applied 
An  important  mission  this— one  requiring  wisdom  and 
tact       Who  should  perform  it?     Who,  finally,  but  Juan 
Aguado,  whom  Columbus  himself  had  but   recently 
commended  to  the  special  consideration  of  the  sover- 

eigns  ?  ,  . 

On  the  loth  of  April,  I495,  there  was  another  enact- 
ment of  great  importance  to  the  interests  of  the  Vice- 
roy    Any  native-born  subject  of  Spain  might  prose- 


XEIV  VOrAGERS. 


30: 


id  spoiled  ;  that  the 
rdcns  of  the  Crown 
ipletiish  his  scanty 
the  resonrccs  of  the 
^'  adaptation  to  every 
I  those  delicate  sonls 
Lth.  Bnt  Colnmbns 
•nrt  to  rebut  the  one- 

5    and    discouraging 
:he   sovereigns   were 
cautionary   measures 
;ial    reports    of  Mar- 
;ained  by  others  who 
ue  of  whom  were  so 
'e  no  small  influence 
operly  qualified  per- 
official  investigation 
government   if    the 
;   brothe-,"   had  been 
nake  their  ruling  as 
'  were  on  the  ground, 
evils  existing  in  the 
nedies  to  be  applied, 
requiring  wisdom  and 
Who,  finally,  but  Juan 
elf  had  but   recently 
leration  of  the  sover- 

ere  was  another  enact- 

interests  of  the  Vice- 

3f  Spain  might  prose- 


cute voyages  of  discovery  in  the  New  World  on  his  own 
account,  and  might  even  settle  in  Hispaniola  under 
certain    conditions.     "  All   vessels   were   to  sail  exclu- 
sively from  the  port  of  Cadi/.,  and  under  the  inspection 
of  officers  appointed   by  the  Crown.     Tliose  who  em- 
l)arkcd   for  Hispaniola  without   pay  and  at  their  own 
expense  were  to  have  lands  assigned  to  them  and  to  be 
provisioned   for  one  year,  with  a  right  to  retain  such 
lands  and  all  houses  they  might  erect  upon  them.     Of 
all  gold  which  they  might  collect  they  were  to  retain 
one-third  for  themselves  and   to  pay  two-thirds  to  the 
Crown.      Of    all    other  articles    of    merchandise,    the 
produce  of  the  island,  they  were  to  pay  merely  one- 
tenth  to  the  Crown.     Their  purchases  were  to  be  made 
in  the  presence  of  officers  appointed  by  the  sovereigns, 
and  the  royal  duties  paid  into  the  hands  of  the  King's 
receiver.     Each  ship  sailing  on  private  enterprise  was 
to  take  one  or  two  persons  named  by  the  royal  officers 
at  Cadiz.     One-tenth  of  the  tonnage  of  the  ship  was  to 
be  at  the  service  of  the  Crown  free  of  charge.     One- 
tenth  of  whatever  such  ships  should  procure   in  the 
newly-discovered  countries  was  to  be  paid  to  the  Crown 
on  their   return.     These  regulations  included  private 
ships  trading  to  Hispaniola  with  provisions.     For  every 
vessel  thus  fitted  out  on  private  adventure,  Columbus, 
in  consideration  of  his  privilege  of  an  eighth  of  tonnage, 
was   to  have   the   right   to   freight   one  on   his   own 

account."^ 

Clearly  enough,  this  was  an  infringement  on  the 
privileges  originally  granted  to  Columbus,  and  he  com- 
plained of  it  most  bitteriy.     Was  it  brought  about  by 

I  Irving's  Columbus,  vol.  ii,  pp.  63,  63. 


:-^!?RaNi«*t-h5««te**«««**iJr-  * 


'^i^<mi^  ^'^--^ 


3o8 


AX  INFRIXGEMENT  ON  COLUMDUS. 


the  persuasions  of  Vicente  Yafiez  Pinzon,  and  others 
who  had  sailed  with  Columbus  ?  The  empty  coffers  of 
Spain,  the  expensive  expeditions  of  Columbus  briufj^ing 
little  or  nothing  in  return,  and  the  pressing  need  of 
extcndiTig  the  explorations  as  rapidly  as  possible — all 
made  the  ears  of  the  monarchs  available  to  a  plan 
which  would  accomplish  their  designs  not  only  without 
expense,  but  with  large  and  sure  profits.  Tlu-  privileges 
thus  widely  extended  were  no  doubt  greatly  abused, 
and  did  much  to  bring  about  that  irregularity  of  method 
in  discovery,  that  licentiousness  and  predatory  adven- 
ture, prophesied  by  Columbus. 

Early  in  April,  before  the  ships  were  under  way 
Torres  returned  from  the  Indies  and  brought  the  old- 
fashioned  ship  news,  fully  up  to  the  times.  Columbus 
had  returned  from  his  voyage  along  the  south  of  Cuba, 
and  here  was  the  famous  official  document,  in  which  all 
the  crews  had  taken  solemn  oath  that  they  had  seen  the 
continent  of  Asia.  At  once  the  mercury  of  the  court 
went  up,  and  up  went  the  stock  of  the  enterprise  in  the 
Indies  ;  for  here  was  more  gold,  and  many  animal  and 
vegetable  curiosities.  The  continent  of  India ! — richest 
country  on  the  globe  ! — here  it  ivas^  authenticated  ana 
sworn  to  by  all  parties  ! 

Still  Aguado  must  go  and  look  into  matters.  Was 
he  not  at  once  the  friend  of  Columbus  and  loyal  to  the 
Crown  ?  He  could  ascertain  the  facts  concerning  this 
unhappy  state  of  affairs  in  Hispaniola;  that  would 
wrong  no  one.  Diego,  the  Admiral's  brother,  having 
had  the  nervention  of  the  sovereigns  in  behalf  of  that 
gold  of  i  J  which  Fonseca  tried  to  retain  when  he  came 
back  from  the  Indies,  would  now  go  back  again.     But  if 


V  COLUMBUS. 


A  n  \  ICE  FR  oAf  run  so  i  'ereigxs.      309 


e/  Pinzon,  and  others 
The  empty  coffers  of 
of  Columbus  briuf^ing 
the  pressing  need  of 
ipidly  «is  possible — all 
s  available  to  a  plan 
signs  not  only  without 
)rofits.  Tin-  privileges 
ioubt  greatly  abused, 
irregularity  of  method 
and  predatory  adven- 

lips  were  under  way 
>  and  brought  the  old- 
the  times.  Columbus 
3ng  the  south  of  Cuba, 
iocunient,  in  which  all 
that  they  had  seen  the 
t  mercury  of  the  court 
if  the  enterprise  in  the 
and  many  animal  and 
nent  of  India ! — richest 
ivas^  authenticated  ana 

ok  into  matters.  Was 
inibus  and  loyal  to  the 
e  facts  concerning  this 
ispaniola ;  that  would 
miral's  brother,  having 
reigns  in  behalf  of  that 
:o  retain  when  he  came 
'  go  back  again.     But  if 


the  dignitary  had  been  humbled  by  tlio  royal  compulsion 
to  do  justice  in  the  case,  iitul  by  the  special  orders  to  be 
conciliatory  toward  the  Ac.miral,  he  had  ample  oppor- 
tunity in  the  long  years  of  his  administration  of  Indian 
iiffairs  to  vent  his  pent-up  wrath  on  Columbus  and  his 
descendants. 

Though  always  considerate  of  the  feelings  of  the  Ad- 
miral, it  was  necessary  to  .send  him  a  letter  of  instruc- 
tions. "  The  number  of  persons  in  the  .settlement 
should  be  limited  to  five  hundred,  a  greater  number 
being  considered  unnecessary  for  the  .service  of  the 
island,  and  a  burdensome  expense  to  the  Crown.  To 
prevent  further  discontents  about  provisions,  they 
ordered  that  the  rations  of  individuals  should  be  dealt 
out  in  portions  every  fifteen  days,  and  that  all  punish- 
ment by  short  allowance  or  the  stoppage  of  rations 
should  be  discontinued,  as  tending  to  injure  the  health 
of  the  colonists,  who  required  every  assistance  of  nour- 
ishing diet  to  fortify  them  against  the  maladies  incident 
to  a  strange  climate."  ' 

Pablo  Belvis  must  go  in  the  place  of  Firmin  Cedo,  to 
give  special  attention  to  the  mining  interests.  Eccle- 
siastics must  be  sent  to  replace  those  who  had  returned, 
for  now,  as  heretofore,  the  conversion  of  the  natives  was 
all  important  to  Isabella. 

What  was  to  be  done  with  the  five  hundred  Indian 
slaves  whom  Torres  had  just  brought  to  Spain?  At 
first  they  were  ordered  to  be  sold  in  the  slave-markets 
after  the  manner  of  the  Africans  and  the  Moors  who 
had  been  the  victims  of  wars  and  conquests.  But  they 
were  so  gentle,  so  docile,  and  had  been  so  hospitable  to 

1  Irving,  vol  ii,  pp.  65,  66. 


ei-y%«»»*M%»^Si'^n*««^-»'^'iSi**V>-.*-*Ui-*f^-*  *  r*o>?**-^i'i7^i':! 


310 


A  R  R  O  GANCE  OF  A  G  UA  D  O. 


the  Spaniards,  the  Queen's  heart  failed  her.  Fiv 
days  later  the  order  was  countermanded  until  learne 
and  devout  spiritual  advisers  could  be  consulted  as  t 
the  procedure.  The  opinion  thus  sought  came  slowb 
and  was  by  no  means  unanimous  ;  so  Isabella  was  go^ 
erned  by  the  impulses  of  her  own  generous  nature,  an( 
contrary  to  the  customs  of  the  times,  ordered  them  1 
be  sent  back  to  Hispaniola. 

But  it  is  time  to  accompany  Aguado,  sailing  his  for 
caravels,  liberally  filled  with  every  kind  of  supplie 
out  of  Cadiz,  in  the  last  days  of  August,  to   reac 
Hispaniola  in  October.      Oii  his  arrival  the  Admir 
is   absent,  still  trying  to  settle  affairs  in  the  island- 
trying  to  complete  a  peace  with   Caonabo's  brother 
How  will  this  official  from  the  sovereigns  deport  hii 
self?     Surely  he  has  every  motive  for  good  condu( 
If  he  is  under  deep  obligation   to  the  Admiral,  ai 
therefore  should  do  him  justice,  he  is  under  no  le 
obligation  to  the  King  and  Queen  of  Spain  and  to  tl 
unhappy    condition    of    Hispaniola.      But    to    the 
claims  upon  his  good  discretion  he  is  utterly  blin 
Without    v/aiting    to   investigate    the   true    state 
affairs,  he  immediately  grasped  the  reins  of  authorit 
Some  he  arrested,  officers  were  summoned  to  accoui 
and  no  respect  whatever  was  shown  the  lieutenai 
Bartholomew.     The  latter,  taken  by  surprise  by  sn 
proceedings,  demanded  that  he  should  show  his  co 
mission.     He  "would  show  it  to  the  Admiral,"  \^ 
the  haughty  reply.     Presently,  however,  lest  any  o 
should  doubt  his  authority,  he  had  his  credentials  p 
claimed  publicly  with  sound  of  trumpet.     They  w( 
brief,  but  comprehensive — comprehensive   because 


_£..(-, 


)F  AGUADO. 

heart  failed  lier.  Five 
iiiternianded  until  learned 
s  could  be  consulted  as  to 
thus  sought  came  slowly, 
lous  ;  so  Isabella  was  gov- 
own  generous  nature,  and, 
he  times,  ordered  them  to 

y  Aguado,  sailing  his  four 
11  every  kind  of  supplies, 
ays  of  August,  to   reach 
1  his  arrival  the  Admiral 
ttle  affairs  in  the  island — 
with   Caonabo's  brothers, 
the  sovereigns  deport  him- 
motive  for  good  conduct. 
Ltion  to  the  Admiral,  and 
isdce,  he  is  under  no  less 
^ueen  of  Spain  and  to  the 
spaniola.      But    to    these 
retion  he  is  utterly  blind, 
jtigate    the   true    state    of 
ped  the  reins  of  authority, 
vere  summoned  to  account, 
vas  shown  the  lieutenant, 
taken  by  surprise  by  such 
t  he  should  show  his  com- 
V  it  to  the  Admiral,"  was 
ntly,  however,  lest  any  one 
he  had  his  credentials  pro- 
id  of  trumpet.     They  were 
comprehensive   because   of 


HE  COURTS  DISCONTENT. 


311 


their  vagueness ;  like  an  india-rubber  ring,  the  docu- 
ment could  be  adjusted  to  almost  any  case. 

"  Cavaliers,  esquires,  aud  other  persons  who  by  our 
orders  are  in  the  Indies,  we  send  you  thither  Juan 
Aguado,  our  gentleman  of  the  chamber,  who  will 
speak  to  you  for  us.  We  command  you  to  give  him 
faith  and  credence." 

The  indefiniteness  of  the  document,  and  the  pom- 
pous manner  in  which  it  was  proclaimed,  all  told  in  the 
heaviest  possible  manner  against  Columbus  and  his 
brothers.  The  proud  hidalgos,  humiliated  by  labor 
and  limitations  of  food;  the  common  culprit,  but 
partially  punished  for  his  flagrant  crimes  ;  the  jealous 
subordinate  in  office,  who  would  not  brook  the  superior 
authority  of  a  foreigner;  the  aggrieved  Indian,  who 
could  not  discriminate  between  the  outrages  of  the 
Spaniards  and  the  rule  or  misrule  of  the  Admiral — 
all,  now,  were  loud  enough  in  their  calls  for  redress, 
supposing  that  Aguado  would  at  once  supersede  Co- 
lumbus in  authority.  The  former,  in  order  to  appear 
as  peremptory  as  possible,  set  out  in  search  of  the 
latter  with  a  body  of  horsemen. 

With  Bartholomew  Columbus,  surrounded  by  this 
seething  sea  of  discontent,  discretion  was  the  better 
part  of  valor.     He  must  be  quiet  and  look  on. 

Rumor  of  Aguado's  proceedings  soon  reached  the 
Admiral,  and  he  at  once  set  out  for  home.  The 
parties  missed  each  other,  but  Aguado  soon  returned 
and  the  meeting  occurred  at  Isabella.  Now  Aguado 
and  all  the  rest  were  taken  by  surprise  at  the  conduct 
of  the  Admiral.  The  former,  who  had  anticipated  and 
almost  courted  a  sharp  altercation,  was   completely 


■i?A*»^-=^"Cv«**i*^'lV'^v;Wr»^!*"\ 


312 


A  HURRICANE. 


disarmed  by  the  cool  submission  of  the  latter.  But 
Columbus  could  not  fail  to  see  that  his  prestige  was 
severely  shaken,  for  even  the  caciques  met  in  a  sort 
of  convention  to  formulate  their  grievances  to  the  new 
officer,  who,  in  making  up  his  category  of  accusations, 
seems  to  have  made  but  little  discrimination  as  to 
what  was  true  and  what  was  false. 

C  "■'umbus  took  in  the  situation,  and  saw  the  necessity 
of    at  once  returning  to  Spain  to  vindicate  himself. 
He  resolved  to  go  in  the  same  squadron  with  Aguado. 
It  is  about  noon,  and  the  ships  are  ready  to  weigh 
anchor  for  Spain.     But  what  mean  those  sharp  gusts 
of  wind  from  the  east,  and  those  dense  clouds  of  vapor 
rushing  through  the   air  ?      Ah  !  say  the  Indians,  a 
furicane  is  coming— or  a  hurricane,  as   we  now  say, 
having  slightly  changed  the  word.     Another  tempest, 
rushing  from  the  west,  encounters  it.     All  at  once  the 
heavens  are  dark  as  midnight.     There  are  lurid  sheets 
of  lightning  and  awful  crashes  of  thunder.     The  sea 
breaks  its  bounds  and  rushes  inland  for  miles.     The 
air  is  thick  with  leaves  and  flying  branches  of  trees. 
Whole  groves,  with  masses  of  earth  and  rocks,  are 
torn   from   the   mountain   sides  and  hurled  into  the 
valleys,  stopping  the  rivers  in  their  courses.     It  was  as 
if  the  end  of  the  world  had  come.     Some  even  fled  to 
the  caves  for  refuge.     The  ships  snapped  their  cables ; 
three  were  sunk  with  their  passengers   and   crews  ; 
others  were  "  dashed  against  each  other  "  and  wrecked 
along  the  shore.      The  fury  of  the  tempest  lasted  for 
three  hours,  and  then  the  sun  shone  upon  the  fear- 
ful scene  of  disaster.      Never  in  the  memory  or  the 
traditions  of  the  Indians  had  there  been  such  a  hurri- 


IE. 


A  NEW  GOLD-MINE. 


313 


n  of  the  latter.  But 
that  his  prestige  was 
iciques  met  in  a  sort 
grievances  to  the  new 
;egory  of  accusations, 
discrimination   as   to 

and  saw  the  necessity 
to  vindicate  himself, 
uadron  with  Aguado. 
ps  are  ready  to  weigh 
an  those  sharp  gusts 
dense  clouds  of  vapor 
!  say  the  Indians,  a 
:ane,  as   we  now  say, 
rd.     Another  tempest, 
rs  it.     All  at  once  the 
There  are  lurid  sheets 
of  thunder.     The  sea 
nland  for  miles.     The 
Qg  branches  of  trees, 
earth  and  rocks,  are 
iand  hurled  into  the 
eir  courses.     It  was  as 
ae.     Some  even  fled  to 
snapped  their  cables ; 
issengers   and   crews ; 
:h  other  "  and  wrecked 
the  tempest  lasted  for 
shone  upon  the  fear- 
in  the  memory  or  the 
lere  been  such  a  hurri- 


cane. Surely  this  was  a  divine  visitation  on  the 
"cruelties  and  crimes  of  the  white  men,"  who,  bj' 
their  outrages,  had  moved  the  very  waters,  earth,  and 
air  to  judgment ! 

Aguado's  fleet  of  four  ships  had  been  sunken  and 
wrecked,  and  also  two  others,  leaving  only  the  shat- 
tered Nino.  She  was  repaired,  and  another  caravel 
was  built  out  of  such  ruins  of  the  fleet  as  could  be 
reclaimed.  Behold  the  energy  of  the  sick-hearted 
Admiral,  who,  though  doing  the  greatest  possible 
service  for  his  nation  and  for  the  world,  is  fighting 
misfortune  among  strangers  and  savages — alike  his 
enemies ! 

But  scarcely  ever  is  any  part  of  life  all  misfortune. 
Isabella  was  now  surprised  by  a  most  romantic  inci- 
dent. A  young  Spaniard  named  Aliguel  Diaz,  having 
liad  an  altercation  with  another  young  Spaniard  and 
wounded  him  mortally  as  was  supposed,  fled  with  some 
half-dozen  comrades  across  the  island,  among  the  sav- 
ages on  the  south  side.  Here  he  became  the  guest  of 
a  village  and  community  over  which  ruled  a  young 
female  cacique,  who  in  time  fell  r"  ;eply  in  love  with 
liim.  He,  not  insensible  to  her  attractions,  wedded 
her,  it  would  seem.  But  in  time  his  isolation  among 
savages  told  heavily  upon  him,  and  he  became  melan- 
choly. On  seeing  this,  the  kind  heart  of  the  native 
princess  was  greatly  moved,  and  she  resolved  upon  a 
remedy.  Knowing  the  Spanish  mania  for  gold,  she 
disclosed  to  him  the  rich  mines  in  her  dominions,  and 
urged  her  spouse  to  invite  his  nation  to  locate  with 
her.  Miguel  and  his  comrades  examined  the  gold 
region  and  soon  became  convinced  of  its  exceeding 
richness  in  the  precious  metal. 


jw^w>*8a»x3fwa^>i»ftwr)fw*M&« 


wtrnrv^ — —^  ^i>i^**iiMM 


l»>  W  Wmi  •  I T*" WiHW* 


314 


GOLD  IN  A  H  UN  DA  NCR. 


Now,  by  a  literally  golden  path,  he  saw  his  way  out 
into  civilization  once  more.  However  much  the  rather 
severe  adelantado  may  have  been  incensed  at  him,  an 
abundance  of  gold  would  be  an  ample  peace  ofifering. 
He  and  his  comrades  returned  to  Isabella,  and,  linger- 
ing about  the  neighborhood,  soon  learned  that  the 
wounded  man  had  entirely  recovered. 

On  entering  the  town  and  relating  his  strange  and 
welcome  story,  he  at  once  became  a  hero.  The  Ad- 
miral, too,  was  again  lifted  up. 

The  ships  must  wait  till  the  adelantado  could 
journey  to  the  south  side  of  the  island  and  make  such 
examination  as  might  confirm  the  good  news. 

He  and  his  party  made  a  forced  march  across  thither 
and  soon  returned,  saying  that  alike  in  all  the  rivers 
and  in  the  hillsides  there  was  such  an  abundance  of 
gold  that  Cibao  was  not  to  be  compared  to  it.     Then 
there  were  several  old  pits,  as  if  the  mines  had  once 
been  worked.     How  suggestive  to  the  Admiral !     This 
must  surely  be  the  ancient  Ophir,  where  the  ships  of 
Solomon,  coming  from  the  east,  had  obtained  the  fabu- 
lous quantity  of  gold,  with  which  the  temple  had  been 
literally  covered !     What   news   for  Spain!     Besides, 
Columbus  had  wished  to  change  the  location  of  the 
colony.     The  Indian  princess,  now  named  Catalina, 
occupied  the  site  of  the  present  city,  San  Domingo— 
an   excellent   location   for   a   colony  and   having   an 
abundance  of  gold  in  the  vicinity.     What  more  could 
be  desired  ?     A  fort  must  be  erected  at  once  and  the 
territory  of  the  Indian  princess,  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Ozema  river,  must  become  the  centre  of  operations. 
On  March  lo,  1496,  everything  was  ready  for  the 


>ANCE. 

I,  he  saw  his  way  out 
^•ever  much  the  rather 

1  incensed  at  him,  an 
ample  peace  ofifering. 

Isabella,  and,  linger- 
on    learned   that   the 

2  red. 

ating  his  strange  and 
ne  a  hero.     The  Ad- 

the   adelantado   could 
island  and  make  such 
le  good  news, 
d  march  across  thither 
alike  in  all  the  rivers 
;uch  an  abundance  of 
lompared  to  it.     Then 
if  the  mines  had  once 
to  the  Admiral !     This 
lir,  where  the  ships  of 
had  obtained  the  fabu- 
:h  the  temple  had  been 

for  Spain !     Besides, 
ige  the  location  of  the 

now  named  Catalina, 
t  city,  San  Domingo— 
:olony  and  having  an 
ity.  What  more  could 
irected  at  once  and  the 
IS,  at  the  mouth  of  the 
centre  of  operations, 
ling  was  ready  for  the 


BRAVERlr  OF  CAOXABO. 


315 


voyage  to  vSpain.  The  two  :;hips  were  crowded,  some 
two  hundred  and  fifty  persons — indifferent  idlers — 
gentlemen  probabl}' ;  those  who  were  sallow  and  hollow- 
cheeked  from  lingering  diseases,  the  disorderly  and 
the  profligate — a  sorry  crowd,  filing  along  the  gang- 
ways !  "  Never,"  says  Irving,  "  did  a  more  miserable 
and  disappointed  crew  return  from  a  land  of  promise." 
Columbus  was  in  one  ship  and  Aguado  in  the  other. 

But  we  must  not  overlook  the  Indians  in  these  ships, 
of  whom  there  are  about  thirty,  including  the  noted 
Caonabo,  one  of  his  brothers,  and  a  nephew.  Whatever 
may  have  been  the  Admiral's  promises  to  the  cacique, 
or  his  plans  concerning  him,  that  savage  chieftain 
remained  sullen  and  morose,  being  intelligent  enough 
to  know  that  his  power  was  at  an  end. 

What  if  he  were  taken  to  Spain  to  see  the  glory  of 
that  kingdom,  and  then  return  as  the  Admiral  had 
promised  him  ?  Could  he  ever  again  be  "  Lord  of  the 
Golden  House  "?  Had  not  the  detested  white  man 
taken  possession  of  his  kingdom  of  gold-bearing  rocks, 
his  broad  grassy  plains,  and  rivers  which  flowed  over 
golden  sands  ?  There  have  been  fair-skinned  rulers 
who  would  rather  die  as  kings  than  live  as  men. 

The  voyage  was  painfully  tedious.  The  Admiral, 
not  knowing  anything  about  the  trade-winds,  instead 
of  steering  to  the  northward  so  as  to  take  advantage 
of  the  westerly  winds  returning  as  a  reaction  of  the 
same,  went  directly  east,  thus  having  either  head-winds 
or  calms  continually.  After  a  month  at  sea,  he  was 
barely  at  the  Caribbee  Islands,  his  crews  tired  and  sick 
and  his  provisions  greatly  reduced.  He  concluded, 
therefore,  to  stop  at  these  islands,  not  only  for  wood 


g|gP;fc|fc«e\i*k.iw«W"«i«r-«^  * 


3i6 


AN  INDIAN  PRINCESS. 


3" 


and  water,  but  for  as  much  cassava-bread  and  other 
eatables  as  he  might  be  able  to  obtain.     They  anchored 
at  Alariagalante,  but  soon  went  to  Guadaloupe.     But 
the  natives,  the  women  at  one  end  of  the  island  and 
the  men  at  the  other,  were  decidedly  warlike,  and  vigor- 
ously opposed  their  lauding.     Fire-arms  and  gew-gaws, 
however,  soon   reconciled   them,  and  the  boats  landed. 
"  While  some  of  the  people  were  getting  wood  and 
water  and  making  cassava-bread,  Columbus  dispatched 
forty  men,  well  armed,  to  explore  the  interior  of  the 
island.     They  returned  on  the  following  day  with  ten 
women  and  three  boys.     The  women  were  of  large  and 
powerful  form,  yet  of  great  agility.     They  were  naked 
and    wore   their   long   hair  flowing  loose  upon    their 
shoulders  ;  some  decorated  their  heads  with  plumes  of 
various  colors.    Among  them  was  the  wife  of  a  cacique, 
a  woman  of  great  strength  and  proud  spirit.     On  the 
approach  of  the  Spaniards  she  had  fled  with  an  agility 
which  soon  left  all  her  pursuers  far  behind,  excepting 
a  native  of  the  Canary  Islands  remarkable  for  swift- 
ness of  foot.     She  would  have  escaped  even  from  him, 
but,  perceiving  that  he  was  alone  and  far  from  his 
companions,  she   turned   suddenly  upon  him,  seized 
him  with  astonishing  force,  and  would  have  strangled 
him  had   not  the   Spaniards  arrived   and  taken  her. 
entangled  like  a  hawk  with  her  prey.     The  warlike 
spirit  of  these  Carib  vomen,  and  the  circumstance  of 
finding  them  in  armed  bands,  defending  their  shores 
during  the  absence  of  their  husbands,  led  Columbus 
repeatedly  into  the  erroneous  idea  that  certain  of  these 
islands  were  inhabited  entirely  by  women,  for   which 
error,  as  has  already  been  observed,  he  was  prepared 


VCBSS. 

sava-bread  and  other 
itain.  They  anchored 
to  Guadalonpe,  But 
md  of  the  island  and 
dl y  warlike,  and  vigor- 
re-arms  and  gew-gaws, 

and  the  boats  landed, 
/ere  getting  wood  and 
,  Columbus  dispatched 
•e  the  interior  of  the 
oUowing  day  with  ten 
men  were  of  large  and 
ty.  They  were  naked 
ring  loose  upon  their 
•  heads  with  plumes  of 
LS  the  wife  of  a  cacique, 

proud  spirit.  On  the 
lad  fled  with  an  agility 

far  behind,  excepting 
5  remarkable  for  swift- 
:scaped  even  from  him, 
one  and  far  from  his 
:nly  upon  him,  seized 

would  have  strangled 
rrived  and  taken  her. 
er  prey.  The  warlike 
tid  the  circumstance  of 
iefending  their  shores 
asbands,  led  Columbus 
ea  that  certain  of  these 
y  by  women,  for  which 
srved,  he  was  prepared 


STARVATION  ON  THE  SEA. 


317 


by  the  stories  of  Marco  Polo  concerning  an  island  of 
amazons  near  the  coast  of  Asia."' 

Having  made  up  cassava-bread  enough  to  last  three 
weeks,  the  ships  prepared  to  sail.  As  it  was  intended 
to  make  Guadaloupe  a  sort  of  key  to  the  Caribbee 
Islands,  it  was  important  to  leave  the  natives  in  a 
friendly  mood.  The  prisoners,  therefore,  were  all  dis- 
missed with  presents.  But  the  cacique's  wife  refused 
to  go,  retaining  also  her  young  daughter.  It  is  sup- 
posed that  she  fell  in  love  with  the  unfortunate 
Caonabo. 

The  ships  kept  to  the  twenty-second  degree  of  lati- 
tude, laboring  against  wind  and  current,  so  that  a 
month  of  utmost  effort  in  sailing  found  them  still  far 
from  Spain,  and  the  provisions  were  so  alarmingly 
low  that  the  allowance  could  not  be  more  than  "  six 
ounces  of  bread  and  a  pint  and  a  half  of  water  "  per 
day.  During  the  last  days  of  May  the  store  of  pro- 
visions was  so  small  as  to  call  for  still  scantier  rations. 
But  where  on  the  wide  Atlantic  were  these  hungry  peo- 
ple ?  The  pilots,  accustomed  only  to  coasting,  or 
navigating  the  Mediterranean,  had  completely  lost  their 
reckoning,  nor  were  they  disposed  to  accept  the  opinion 
of  the  Admiral.  By  the  first  of  June  famine  stared 
them  in  the  face.  Some  proposed  to  kill  and  eat  the 
Indians.  But  for  the  earnest  entreaties  of  Columbus 
I  they  would  at  least  have  thrown  them  overboard  to 
lessen  the  demand  for  food.  These  mortals  were 
[human,  he  said,  and  must  be  treated  accordingly. 
Besides,  he  had  kept  exact  reckoning  and  knew  that 
[they  were  near  Cape  f^t.  Vincent.     When  night  came 

'Irving's  Columbus,  vol.  ii,  pp.  84,  85. 


.  J  8  DBA  TH  OF  CA  ON  A  B  O. 

on  and  he  ordered  the  sail  taken  in,  there  was  a  general 
sneer  and  discontented  chattering.  They  were  nearer 
the  English  Channel  or  France,  most  thonght.  When 
morning  dawned  and  they  saw  the  very  land  Columbus 
had  named  they  were  ready  to  pronounce  him  an  oracle 

of  the  ocean. 

The  almost  starving  passengers  landed  in  Cadiz  on 
the  nth  of  June,  after  a  most  trying  voyage  of  three 
months.  Caonabo  had  died  on  the  way  ;  died,  it  would 
seem,  of  a  broken  heart— or  of  "  grief  and  vexation," 
as  Bernaldez  has  it.  Having  landed  in  Hayti  a  mere 
Carib  adventurer,  he  had  allied  himself  to  one  of  the 
most  noble  families  and  had  risen  to  be  the  most  pow- 
erful chief  of  the  island.  A  veritable  king  among 
savages  was  he,  and  though  broken  in  spirit  by  over- 
whelming misfortune  at  heart  he  could  not  bow  to 
captivity,  but  was  unyielding  and  heroic  to  the  last. 

In  this  same  harbor  of  Cadiz  were  now  three  caravels 
just  ready  to  sail  with  supplies  for  the  colony.  The 
four  sailing  in  January  before  had  been  wrecked  on  the 
coast  of  Spain.  Columbus  examined  the  royal  dis- 
patches, and,  having  learned  the  directions  of  the  sov- 
ereigns and  also  the  general  public  sentiment,  wrote  at 
once  to  his  brother  Bartholomew,  whom  he  had  left  in 
authority,  to  be  energetic  in  restoring  the  island  to 
peace  and  order,  to  develop  its  resources,  to  explore  and 
work  the  recently  found  gold-mines  in  Hayna,  and  to 
begin  to  build  there  a  sea-port.  The  discords  and 
unproductiveness  of  the  New  World,  now  become  noth- 
ing less  than  noted  scandal,  must  be  speedily  reme- 
died. 

No  earthly  scene  could  have  done  more  to  confann 


^aSi^£3r'iaiWiaMta>»iWMli»« 


^NABO. 

in,  there  was  a  general 
g.  They  were  nearer 
most  thought.  When 
le  very  land  Columbus 
onounce  him  an  oracle 

;rs  landed  in  Cadiz  on 
rying  voyage  of  three 
lie  way  ;  died,  it  would 
"  grief  and  vexation," 
mded  in  Hayti  a  mere 
himself  to  one  of  the 
m  to  be  the  most  pow- 
veritable  king  among 
Dken  in  spirit  by  over- 
he  could   not  bow  to 
id  heroic  to  the  last, 
v^ere  now  three  caravels 
i  for  the  colony.     The 
id  been  wrecked  on  the 
:amined   the  royal  dis- 
e  directions  of  the  sov- 
blic  sentiment,  wrote  at 
jv,  whom  he  had  left  in 
■estoring  the  island  to 
esources,  to  explore  and 
aines  in  Hayna,  and  to 
rt.      The   discords   and 
/orld,  now  become  noth- 
must  be  speedily  reme- 

:  done  more  to  confirm 


COLUMIirs  AND  THE  SOVEREIGNS. 


319 


the  evil  prejudices  against  Columbus  and  his  '*  island" 
than  did  the  sorry  spectacle  of  the  disembarkation  of 
his  crews  at  Cadiz.     Two  hundred  and  fifty  wretched 
beings — sick  and  half  starved,  hollow-cheeked,  hollow- 
eyed,  their  sallow  skins  a  mockery  of  the  gold  they 
went  to  seek — crawled  out  of  the  caravels,  about  every 
one  of   them  ready  to  curse  the   day  he  left  Spain. 
Columbus  himself,  with  downcast  countenance,  wear- 
ing the  plain  gray  frock  of  a  Franciscan  monk,  a  cord 
about  his  waist  and  his  beard  neglected  after  the  man- 
ner of  that  order,  was  scarcely  more  than  a  symbol  of 
grief.     Over  two  hundred  disappointed,  angry  tongues 
could  do  much  to  detract  the  Admiral  and  his  West- 
India  enterprise.     And  all  Spain,  already  advised  by 
Margarite,  Friar  Bull,  and  many  others,  was  on  the 
alert  to  learn  the  worst  things  possible  from  these  bar- 
barous kingdoms — this  "  Mosquito  Land  "I 

But  the  Admiral  had  still  some  grand  points  to 
make.  His  resources  for  a  show  of  prosperity  were 
by  no  means  exhausted.  Then,  too,  the  sovereigns, 
seeming  to  turn  a  deaf  ear  to  all  that  had  been  said 
against  him,  had  written  him  a  most  cordial  letter 
from  Almazan,  July  12,  1496,  as  soon  as  they  heard 
of  his  arrival.  Most  graciously  did  they  invite  him 
to  court  as  soon  as  he  might  be  able  to  recuperate 
after  the  exhaustion  of  his  long  and  tedious  voyage. 

This  would  be  the  occasion  for  exhibiting  what  he 
had  just  brought  from  the  'New  World.  So  the  pro- 
cession, not  nearly  so  large  as  it  had  been  when  going 
to  Barcelona  in  1493,  started  for  Burgos,  where  the 
King  and  Queen  were  to  await  him.  The  Indian 
show   was   better  than    before,  for   the   number   and 


CURIOSITIES  FROM  THE  INDIES. 

variety  were  greater.     They  were  decorated  i..  gaudy 
feathers  and  gold,  and  there  were  pnnce.  an.ong  them 
-Caonabo's  brother,  of  son>e  thirty   years,  «->th   his 
Uttle   son  of  ten  years.     The  former,  =  '-""l^d  D?,, 
Diego,  "  wore  a  eollar  or  ehain   of  gold,  wh.el.  the 
\dmiral  made  him  pttt  on  when  they  passed  throngl. 
the  eities  and   villages."      Bernalde,    the   venerable 
anthor  just  quoted,  says  it   weighed   "stx   hundrea 
«</r//««,»,'  which  ehain  I  saw  and  took  n,  my  hand 
when  I  had  the  above-named  Lord  Bishop  (Fonseeal 
and  the  Admiral    and  Don  Diego  as  guests   in   my 
house       The   Admiral   brought,  also,   many    things 
nsed  by  the  Indians-crowns,  masks,  girdles,  collars 
and  many  other  things  interwoven  with  cotton,  an., 
all  having  a  figure  of  the  devil  in  his  own  shape,  or  in 
?ha     of  acat   or  of  an    owl's    head,    or    somethmgl 
worse,  cut  in  wood  or  made  in  the  cotton    or  wha^ 
ever    else    might    be    the     material    of    the     orna- 
ment      He  had  some  crowns  with  wings  at  the  sides, 
on   which   were  eyes   of  gold,  and  in  particular  one 
erown,  which  he   said   had   belonged   to  the  cacique 
Caonabo,  which  was  very  large  and  high,  and  on  ben 
struck  d  splayed  wings,  like  shields,  with  eyes  of  gold 
as  krge  a^imd  as  a  drinking  cup,  set  m  their  places 
in  a  very   ingenious   and   singular  way    resembliuR 
enamelling.     This  erown  likewise  had  a  figure  of  th 
d  V     upon  it,  and  it  may  b«  believed  that  he  appeare 
to  them  in  these  shapes,  and  that  they  were  idolators 
and  had  the  devilfor  their  Lord."         ,       .       ,         ■„ 
Thus  wrote  the  good  old  curate,  showing  how  » 
those   superstitious    times,  _tWsJUplay^h_eatto 


t£ 


HE  INDIES. 

•c  decorated  in  gaudy 
:  princes  among  them 
lirty  years,  with  his 
>rmer,  christened  Don 
1  of  gold,  which  the 
I  they  passed  through 
laldez,  the  venerable 
lighed  "  six  hundred 
nd  took  in  ray  hands 
ord  Bishop  (Fonseca) 
ego  as  guests  in  my 
t,  also,  many  things 
nasks,  girdles,  collars, 
oven  with  cotton,  and 
n  his  own  shape,  or  in 

head,  or  something 
1  the  cotton,  or  what- 
aterial  of  the  oma- 
ath  wings  at  the  sides, 
and  in  particular  one 
longed  to  the  cacique 
and  high,  and  on  being 
ields,  with  eyes  of  gold 

cup,  set  in  their  places 
gular   way,  resembling! 
rise  had  a  figure  of  the 
lieved  that  he  appeared 
that  they  were  idolaters 

:urate,  showing  how,  iti 
lis   display   of    heathen  | 

f  the  present  time,"  says  Irving. 


PEOPLE   WITH  TAILS. 


321 


ornaments  and  symbols  may  have  seemed  almost  like 
a  revelation,  not  only  from  the  new^  but  also  from  the 
under-zoo,-IH—\.\\c  "  Inferno:' 

In   his  interview  with  the  sovereigns  the  Admiral 
was  happily  disappointed.      He   had   no   occasion  to 
reply  to  the  croakings  of  Don    Margaritc   and    Friar 
Buil,  nor  yet  to  the  budget    of  accusations    brought 
home   by    Aguado,    for   they    were    not    so   much    as 
mentioned.      The   situation   of    the    Admiral   in    the 
Indies   was   exceedingly  trying  and  difficult.     If  he 
liad  erred  in  any  particular,  it  was  in  judgment,  not 
in   disposition.      Says    Bernaldez :    "The    King   and 
Queen,  who  received  him  very  graciously,  took  great 
pleasure  in  seeing  the  strange  things  and  in  learning 
about  his  discoveries."     With  what  keen  interest  must 
they  have  listened  to  his  account  of  that  memorable 
voyage  along  the  south  of  Cuba,  with  its  romance  of 
people  in  long  white  garments  and  those  having  tails. 
Also,  there   was   the   account  of  the  amazons  in  the 
Caribbees,  the  love  adventure  of  Miguel  Diaz,  and  the 
gold-mines  of  Hayna,  which  mines  were,  of  course, 
those  of  King  Solomon's  Ophir  ! 

Being  so  well  received,  Columbus  was  encouraged 
to  propose  anothei"  voyage  of  discovery,  in  order  to 
connect  Spain  more  closely  with  the  mainland  of 
Asia,  or  more  especially  to  discover  the  mainland  to 
the  south,  of  which  he  had  heard  through  the  natives. 
To  this  end  they  readily  promised  the  eight  ships  he 
asked  for,  two  to  be  sent  at  once  with  supplies  to 
Hispaniola,  and  six  properly  fitted  out  for  his  voyage 
of  discovery. 
But  in  all  this  there  came  about  a  most  painful  and 


322 


GOLD  IN  n Aim. 


1 


mischievous  delay.      The  sovereigns  had  already  far 
too  nnuh  on  their  hands ;   and  men  in  office,  who  were 
the  deadly   enemies   of  Colnmbus,  found  many  ways 
of  detaining  him.     Spain  was  in  trouble  with  Prance, 
being  obliged  to  keep  a  large  army  in  Italy  to  help 
the  King  of  Naples  recover  his  throne.     Other  armies 
must  be  kept  on  the    frontiers   to   keep   out   French 
invasion,  and  squadrons  must  skirt  the  coast  both  on 
the  Atlantic  and  on  the  Mediterranean.     Then  there 
was  about  to  be  a  great  double  wedding.     The  Princess 
Juana  was  to  marry  Philip,  Archduke  of  Austria,  and 
his   sister   Margarita   was  td  be  the  bride  of  Prince 
Juan.     An  armada  of  more  than  a  hundred  ships,  with 
twenty   thousand    persons,  many   of  them   the   most 
distinguished   in    Spain,  was  to  carry  away  Philip's 
bride  and  bring  back  that  of  Prince  Juan.     Thus,  the 
sovereigns  bustling  about  from  place  to  place,  full  of 
care  and  business,  and  the  treasury  empty,  Columbus 
was  obliged  to  stand  aside,  as  in  other  days,  and  await 
the  dispatch  of  all  these  immense  affairs  before  his 
few  caravels  could  be  fitted  up. 

Finally,  in  the  autumn  of  1496,  an  appropriation 
was  made.  But  just  as  the  six  million  maravedis 
were  about  to  be  handed  over,  a  most  untoward  in- 
cident occurred.  Pedro  Alonzo  Niflo,  who  had  left 
Cadiz  for  Hispaniola  just  as  Columbus  returned  from 
his  second  voyage,  was  now  returned  with  his  three 
caravels  laden  with  Indian  slaves.  He  did  not  make 
a  formal  report  until  after  visiting  his  home  at 
Huelva,  but  had  meanwhile  circulated  a  rumor 
that  he  had  a  great  amount  of  ^^ g-o/d  in  barsP 
The  slaves  were  his  gold^  and  they  were  confined  by 


rns  had  already  far 
1  ill  office,  who  were 
,  found  many  ways 
rouble  with  France, 
my  in  Italy  to  help 
rone.  Other  armies 
)  keep  out  French 
irt  the  coast  both  on 
anean.  Then  there 
iing.  The  Princess 
uke  of  Austria,  and 
the  bride  of  Prince 
hundred  ships,  with 
of  them  the  most 
carry  away  Philip's 
:e  Juan.  Thus,  the 
ilace  to  place,  full  of 
ry  empty,  Columbus 
ther  days,  and  await 
se  afifairs  before  his 

>6,  an  appropriation 
:  million  maravedis 
most  untoward  in- 
Niflo,  who  had  left 
imbus  returned  from 
iirned  with  his  three 
s.  He  did  not  make 
siting  his  home  at 
circulated  a  rumor 
of  ^^ gold  in  barsy 
hey  were  confined  by 


ISA fi ELLA'S  PLAXS. 


323 


iron  bars  in  the  ship.s.  Ferdinand  and  Isabella,  com- 
pletely duped  by  this  play  upon  words,  invested  the 
six  million  maravedis  designed  for  Columbus  in 
patching  up  an  old  castle,  and  ordered  his  outfit  to  be 
made  from  the  new  returns  of  gold  from  the  Indies — 
probably  from  llw  rich  niinrs  in  Ilayna. 

Not  only  did  this  joke  cause  a  long  and  disastrous 
delay,  but  it  was  turned  into  a  most  keen-edged  bur- 
lesque on  the  golden  Ophir  of  Columbus.  It  was  one 
of  those  seeds  of  rancorous  ill-will  which  could  flourish 
so  readily  in  the  jealous  hearts  of  Spain. 

It  was  only  in  the  spring  of  1497  '^^'^^  wars  and  wed- 
dings had  sufficiently  subsided  to  admit  of  Isabella's 
serious  attention  to  the  affairs  of  the  Indies.  However 
indifferent  Ferdinand  may  have  become,  and  however 
unfavorable  the  chief  advisers  of  the  court  may  have 
been,  she  was  still  in  earnest,  and  evidently  intended 
to  place  matters  on  a  firm  basis.  To  this  end,  every 
point  needing  consideration  seems  to  have  been  thor- 
oughly reviewed,  and  throughout  the  changes  and  pro- 
visions made  there  is  an  evident  design  to  aid  and  gratify 
Columbus  in  every  way  possible. 

First^  all  his  rights  and  prerogatives  were  confirmed 
and  emphasized,  with  the  privilege  of  transmitting  them 
to  his  descendants  forever.  And  his  brother  Bartholo- 
mew was  appointed  adelantado,  no  reference  being  made 
to  his  having  been  placed  in  this  office  already  by  the 
Admiral,  an  act  concerning  which  Ferdinand  had  been 
decidedly  jealous. 

Secondly^  as  the  lack  of  dividends  in  the  Indian  en- 
terprises had  told  most  heavily  on  Columbus,  who  was 
expected  to  furnish  one-eighth  of  the  investments  and 


324 


LENIENCY  WITH  NATIVES. 


B- 


I) 


i 


had  received  no  profits,  he  was  exempted  from  all  pay- 
ments, with  the  nnderstanding,  of  conrse,  that  he  could 
claim  neither  an  eighth  nor  a  tenth  of  the  profits,  which 
were  far  less  than  the  outlay. 

Thirdly^  as  Columbus  had  been  aggrieved  by  the  act 
of  April,  1495,  granting  license  for  discovery  to  any 
native-born  Spaniard,  under  certain  conditions,  a  retrac- 
tion was  now  made  of  anything  which  might  be 
unfavorable  to  his  interests  and  contrary  to  the  privi- 
leges already  granted  him. 

Fourthly,  three  hundred  and  thirty  persons  in  royal 
pay  were  allowed  him  for  this-"  voyage,  with  the  privi- 
lege of  adding  to  the  number  if  they  could  be  paid  out 
of  the  profits  of  the  colony.  He  was  authorized  to  give 
lands  to  all  who  should  reside  on  them  for  four  years, 
and  give  proper  attention  to  the  cultivation  of  the  same. 
But  all  brazil-wood  and  precious  metals  must  be  reserved 
for  the  Crown. 

Nor  were  the  unfortunate  natives  forgotten.  The 
Queen  could  not  consent  to  have  them  treated  after  the 
common  manner  of  captives.  The  greatest  attention 
must  be  given  to  their  religious  instruction.  Leniency 
must  be  shown  in  collecting  tributes,  and  those  who 
failed  to  pay  must  not  be  treated  harshly.  In  fact, 
measures  of  government  should  not  be  severe,  beyond 
what  was  necessary  for  the  safety  of  the  colony. 

Thus  far  everything  promised  well ;  but  when  the 
ships,  with  their  crews,  were  called  for,  there  was  a  com- 
plete stoppage  of  affairs.  No  longer,  as  in  the  previous 
voyages,  did  all  classes,  from  the  lordly  castle  to  the 
cottage,  press  and  crowd  into  the  fleet,  but  more  after 
the  manner  of  the  first  voyage  out  of  Palos,  men  every- 


i*t^vjfee(»&aw*M«H(WW« 


^iei>jateaiwww'<www(i«MWiuy*Mwifiw^^  xwi 


NATIVES. 

:xenipted  from  all  pay- 
f  course,  that  he  could 
th  of  the  profits,  which 

n  aggrieved  by  the  act 
for  discovery  to  any 
lin  conditions,  a  retrac- 
ing which  might  be 
i  contrary  to  the  privi- 

thirty  persons  in  royal 
voyage,  with  the  privi- 
they  could  be  paid  out 
was  authorized  to  give 
Dn  them  for  four  years, 
cultivation  of  the  same, 
netals  must  be  reserved 

itives  forgotten.  The 
:  them  treated  after  the 
rhe  greatest  attention 
instruction.  Leniency 
;ributes,  and  those  who 
ited  harshly.  In  fact, 
I  not  be  severe,  beyond 
;y  of  the  colony, 
id  well ;  but  when  the 
ed  for,  there  was  a  com- 
tiger,  as  in  the  previous 
he  lordly  castle  to  the 
tie  fleet,  but  more  after 
>ut  of  Palos,  men  every- 


CRIMINALS  FOR   THE  COLONY. 


325 


where  refused  to  go.      Herculean  labor,  sickness,  and 
short  rations,  with  a  so-called  severe  government  and 
little  or  no  gold— this  combination  of  things  was  repel- 
lent  rather   than  attractive.      Hence    a  measure   was 
resorted  to  at  the  suggestion  of  Columbus,  according  to 
Las  Casas,  which  was  simply  a  method  of  instilling 
blood-poison  into  the  colony.     The  galleys,  the  mines, 
and  the  prisons  were  relieved  of  their  criminals,  whose 
sentences  were  commuted  in   order  that  they   might 
serve  without  pay  for  certain  specified  periods  in  the 
New  World.     Those  who  had  been  sentenced  to  banish- 
ment for  life   might  thus  become  free  in  ten   years. 
Those  under  penalty  for  any  term  of  years  could  earn 
their  freedom  in  half  the  time.     Finally,  a  general  par- 
don was  announced  for  all  malefactors  still  abroad,  if 
they  would  consign  themselves  over  to  the   Admiral 
within  a  given  time.     Those  who  had  merited  death 
might  serve  for  two  years ;  lighter  sinners  might  get 
off  with  one  year.     But  those  guilty  of  heresy,  treason, 
murder,  or  certain  other  crimes  named  could  not  avail 
themselves  of  this  offer  of  freedom. 

This  baneful  measure,  more  or  less  common  among 
nations  in  times  gone  by,  could  not  fail  to  bring  mis- 
chief to  the  colony.  Crossing  the  Atlantic  would  not 
change  the  evil  hearts  of  these  criminals.  The  corrupt 
tree  transplanted  in  the  New  World  would  produce  the 
same  corrupt  fruit  as  at  home,  being  only  the  more  pro- 
lific because  of  its  greater  freedom  and  more  prosperous 
circumstances.  Nor  could  Columbus  hope  to  have  the 
grievous  perplexities  of  his  government  in  the  Indies 
lessened  by  such  a  policy.  And  the  better  classes  in 
Spain  would  be  all  the  more  shy  of  this  poverty-stricken 


326 


BITTER  TRIALS  OF  COLUMBUS. 


1. 


mosqiiito-laud,  since  now  they  would  not  only  have  to 
live  among  savages  and  noxious  insects,  but  also  among 
criminals,  some  of  whom  had  even  deserved  to  die  at 
home. 

And  still  the  voyage  was  delayed.  The  official 
department  of  Indian  affairs  had  been  somewhat 
changed.  For  some  time  Antonio  de  Torres  had,  to  a 
great  extent,  superseded  Fonseca,  but  his  demands  had 
become  unreasonable  and  the  latter  had  been  reinstated. 
New  papers  had  to  be  made  out,  and  the  unfriendly 
bishop  does  not  seem  to  have  hurried  matters.  Indeed, 
it  would  seem  that  his  agents,  inspired  by  his  animus, 
did  whatever  they  could  to  hinder  and  retard  the 
preparations.  The  Queen,  too,  was  overwhelmed  with 
affliction  in  the  death  of  her  son.  Prince  Juan.  Such 
was  her  sympathy  with  the  Admiral,  however,  and  her 
interest  in  the  suffering  colony,  that  she  used  money 
laid  by  as  the  dov  ei  of  her  daughter  Isabella,  betrothed 
to  the  King  of  Portugal,  that  she  might  send  two  ships 
laden  with  provisions  by  Coronel  early  in  1498.  And 
it  must  have  been  some  relief,  in  the  midst  of  the 
unpopularity  and  scorn  manifested  toward  Columbus  by 
all  parties,  when  she  took  into  her  own  service  as  pages 
his  two  sons,  who  had  served  as  such  to  her  deceased 
son. 

Now,  at  length,  in  the  end  of  May,  the  squadron  of 
six  ships  is  ready  to  sail  under  the  command  of  the  Ad- 
miral. But  his  bitter  trials  are  not  yet  over — they  must 
follow  him  even  to  the  "  water's  edge."  One  Ximeno 
Breviesco,  accountant  and  minion  of  Fonseca,  with  "  an 
impudent  front  and  an  unbridled  tongue,"  had  been  a 
good  mouth-piece  for  the  enmity  which  seems  to  have  been 


'^fiSSi^  'iSiii^vimSiSim-niiimiiam^^&i^^mSa^^ 


OLUMBUS. 

uld  not  only  have  to 
sects,  but  also  among 
;n  deserved  to  die  at 

layed.  The  official 
ad    been    somewhat 

de  Torres  had,  to  a 
but  his  demands  had 
r  had  been  reinstated. 
,  and  the  unfriendly 
ied  matters.  Indeed, 
ipired  by  his  animus, 
ider  and  retard  the 
as  overwhelmed  with 

Prince  Juan.  Such 
ral,  however,  and  her 
hat  she  used  money 
er  Isabella,  betrothed 
might  send  two  ships 

early  in  1498.  And 
n  the  midst  of  the 
[  toward  Columbus  by 

own  service  as  pages 

such  to  her  deceased 

day,  the  squadron  of 
I  command  of  the  Ad- 
;  yet  over — they  must 
dge."  One  Ximeno 
of  Fonseca,  with  "  an 
tongue,"  had  been  a 
Ich  seems  to  have  been 


BRE  VIESCO  IS  PUNISHED. 


327 


so  rife  in  the  office  of  Indian  affairs.  At  the  very  last 
moment,  as  the  ships  were  about  to  weigh  anchor,  he 
was  on  hand.  Either  on  shore  or  on  the  Admiral's  ship, 
he  assailed  the  latter  with  his  insolence.  It  was  the 
drop  which  causes  the  cup  to  overflow.  Unfortunately, 
the  self-restraint  which  seems  to  have  held  out  till 
now  gave  way  in  this  last  moment.  Columbus  knocked 
Breviesco  down  and  kicked  him — kicked  him  more  than 
once— kicked  him  well,  it  is  to  be  hoped,  for  he  no 
doubt  richly  deserved  it. 

But  on  the  side  of  the  Admiral  it  is  much  to  be 
regretted  that  he  should  have  thus  broken  down,  for  Las 
Casas  tells  us  that  this  one  act,  more  than  all  the  com- 
plaints and  detractions  of  his  enemies,  did  much  to 
injure  the  confidence  of  the  King  and  Queen  in  his 
government,  and,  in  general,  to  confirm  the  reports  so 
assiduously  circul?  i  c.  as  to  his  vindictive  cruelty.  The 
measures  soon  aft  .  e  for  his  humiliation  are  sup- 
posed by  the  above  Wx.ctr  to  have  been  facilitated,  if  not 
suggested,  by  this  incident ;  although  he  deeply  regretted 
it  and  wrote  to  the  sovereigns  some  time  afterwards, 
hoping,  at  least,  to  mitigate  the  effect  of  his  unfortunate 
paroxysm  of  passion. 


•^ 

\ 

M 

? 


CHAPTER  XV. 


COLUMBUS'S   THIRD   VOYAGE. 


t'< 


'■A 


f 

I 


ft. 

A' 


(OLUMBUS  sailed  from  San  Liicar  on  his  third 
voyage    May  30,   1498.      With   a   new  and 

peculiar  thought,  he  had  mapped  out  a  unique 

route  across  the  ocean,  thus  working,  as  heretofore,  to  a 
definite  plan.     He  believed  there  was  a  continent  some- 
where to  the  south,  for  when' he  started  homeward  from 
his  recent  voyage  along  the  south  shore  of  Cuba  he 
saw  it  bending  down  in  that  direction,  and  the  Indians 
had  constantly  been  telling  him  of  a  great  body  of  land 
lying  that  way.      Herrera   thinks    King  John   11.  of 
Portugal  had  the  same  notion.     Then  Jayme  Ferrer,  a 
distinguished  lapidary  and  traveller,  had  informed  him 
by  letter,  at  the  order  of  the  Queen,  how  he  had  ascer- 
tained that  the  nearer  one  came  to  the  equator  and  to 
those  regions  where  the  people  were  black,  the  more 
abundant  would  one  find  the  most  valuable  articles  of  com- 
merce— gold,  drugs,  spices,  and  precious  stones.      Co- 
lumbus would  keep  well  to  the  western  outskirts  of  the 
Canary  Islands,  especially  since  he  suspected  French 
cruisers  near  the  coast ;  and,  making  the  Cape  Verde 
Islands  his  starting  point,  he  would  follow  the  equator 
to  the  continent  in  anticipation.     Here  he  would  find 
those  black  men  whom  the  Indians  of  Hayti  had  told 
him  once  came  to  their  island  from  the  south  and  had 
peculiar  metallic  heads  to  their  javelins.     Some  of  this 
metal,  which  they  had  given  him,  had  been  assayed  in 


J 


A  FRENCH  PRIVATEER. 


329 


V. 

/OYAGE. 

ian  Lucar  on  his  third 
With   a   new  and 
I  mapped  out  a  unique 
ng,  as  heretofore,  to  a 
was  a  continent  some- 
tarted  homeward  from 
th  shore  of  Cuba  he 
ction,  and  the  Indians 
if  a  great  body  of  land 
cs   King  John  II.  of 
rhen  Jayme  Ferrer,  a 
,er,  had  informed  him 
en,  how  he  had  ascer- 
;  to  the  equator  and  to 
were  black,  the  more 
'aluable  articles  of  com- 
precious  stones.      Co- 
estern  outskirts  of  the 
he  suspected  French 
iking  the  Cape  Verde 
lid  follow  the  equator 
Here  he  would  find 
ms  of  Hayti  had  told 
om  the  south  and  had 
avelins.     Some  of  this 
1,  had  been  assayed  in 


Spain,  and  proved  to  be  a  mixture  of  gold,  silver,  and 
copper.     To  ascertain  the  exact  truth  of  all  this  would 
be  most  interesting,  and  might  well  give  point  and  pur- 
pose to  this  third  voyage.     So,  standing  away  to  the 
southwest,  and  thus   escaping  that   French    squadron 
which  might  be  playing  off  and  on  somewhere  between 
Cape    St.    Vincent    and    the    Canaries,    he    touched 
Porto    Santo    and    Madeira  to   take   in    wood,    water, 
and  supplies.     Then  he  touched  at  Gomera,  one  of  che 
more  western   islands   of  the   Canaries,  and,  finding 
a  French  privateer  with  two  Spanish  prize  ships,  all  of 
which  fled  at  his  approach,  he  sent  three  of  his  ships 
in  pursuit.      The  fugitive  squadron  had  such  a  start 
that  they  could  not  be  overtaken  ;  but  one  of  the  prizes, 
having  left  six  of  the  French  crew  behind  in  their  haste, 
was  easily  turned  over  to  Columbus  by  the  Spanish 
prisoners  on  board.     He  delivered  the  ship  to  the  cap- 
tain and  consigned  the  French   prisoners  to  the  gover- 
nor of  the  inland,  to  be   offered  in  exchange  for  six 
Spanish  prisoners  held  by  the  cruiser.^ 

June  2ist,  just  off  the  island  of  Ferro,  the  squadron 
was  divided,  three  ships  hastening  away  to  Hispaniola 
with  supplies,  and  three,  connnanded  by  the  Admiral, 
going  on  to  the  Cape  Verde  Islands. 

The  three  captains  of  the  ships  bound  for  Hayti  are 
worthy  of  notice.  Alonzo  Sanchez  de  Carvajal  was 
a  man  of  worth  ;  Pedro  de  Arana  was  the  brother  of 
Beatrix  Henriquez,  and  the  cousin  of  the  unfortunate 
commander  of  La  Navidad ;  Juan  Antonio  Colombo, 
a  man  of  rare  judgment  and  ability,  was  a  Genoese  and 
a  relative  of  the  Admiral.     They  were  to  command  the 

1  See  Historia,  by  F.  Columbus,  cap.  65. 


titammiiiimsmiMUimn 


"T- 


^3o  THE  ADMIRAL'S  SQUADRON. 

squadron,  each  a  week  at  a  time  successively,  the  ship 
in  command  bearing  the  signal-light.  They  must  steer 
for  the  new  site  of  the  colony,  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Ozema,  in  the  newly  discovered  gold  regions  of  Hayna, 
on  the  south  side  of  Hayti,  for  by  this  time  the  colony 
would  have  its  headquarters  here.  ^ 

The  Admiral's  squadron  consisted  of  two  merchant  s 
caravels  and  his  own  decked  flag-ship  of,  perhaps,  a 
hundred    tons    burthen    and    requiring    some    three 
fathoms  of  water.      He  was  in  no  physical  condition 
for  the  arduous  efforts  and  excitements  of  this   im- 
portant voyage.     He  had  hoped  to -find  rest  in  Spam 
but  had  been  tried  to  the  last  degree  by  anxiety,  gnef, 
and   vexation.      Now,  as   he   encountered   the   damp, 
sultry   weather  of  the  tropics,  he   was   on   the   very 
verge  of  nervous  prostration,  and  was  soon  down  with 
a  most  painful  attack  of  the  gout  and  a  high  fever. 
But  his  mind  remained  unclouded,  and  he  kept  up  his 
reckonings  and  very  interesting  observations. 

The  foggy  atmosphere  and  barren  landscape  of  the 
Cape  Verde  Islands  when  the  ships  arrived,  June  27th, 
had  a  most  depressing  effect  on  him  and  his  crews. 
The  inhabitants  looked  sallow  and  morbid,   "neither 
sun   nor   star "   was   to  be  seen,  and  the  goat's  flesh 
needed  for  provisioning  his  ships,  and  the  cattle  for 
stocking  Hispaniola,  were  hard  to  get,  so,  on  July  5th, 
he  stood  away  to  the  southwest  for  the  equinoctial 
line.     Adverse  currents  kept  him  for  two  days  near 
the  Island  del  Fuego,  the   high   volcanic   summit  of 
which  resembled,  in  the  distance,  a  church  with  a  tall 
steeple.     This  was  the  last  point  of  land  which  r.Aelted 
away  in  the  horizon. 


and  sc 

extend 

equato 

of  trad 

The  se 

hot  th 

of  the 

the   w" 

shranl^ 

leaked 

of  the 

remaii 

that  w 

and  s] 

seeme< 

to  be  1 

region 

true  t 

overca 

atmos; 

combi: 

the  en 

Coll 

the  so 

He  w 

ning-i 

Azore 

reniar 

there 

The 


HEAT  UNDER  THE  EQUATOR. 


331 


ely,  the  ship 
iy  must  steer 
Louth  of  the 
as  of  Hayiia, 
le  the  colony 

ro  merchant's 
jf,  perhaps,  a 

some    three 
ical  condition 

of  this  im- 
rest  in  Spain, 
.nxiety,  grief, 
d  the  damp, 
on  the  very 
•on  down  with 
[  a  high  fever, 
le  kept  up  his 
dons. 

idscape  of  the 
ed,  June  27th, 
and  his  crews, 
rbid,  "neither 
he  goat's  flesh 

the  cattle  for 
o,  on  July  5th, 
he  equinoctial 
two  days  near 
tiic  summit  of 
irch  with  a  tall 
i  which  Incited 


July  15th,  he  was  in  the  5th  degree  north  latitude, 
and  so  within  that  belt   of  almost  dead  calm  which 
extends   for  some  ten  degrees  on  either    side  of  the 
equator.     This  is  caused  by  the  converging  currents 
of  trade-winds,  on  either  side,  neutralizing  each  other. 
The  sea  was  smooth  as  glass,  and  the  air  so  scorching 
hot  that  the  tar  dripped  from  the  rigging ;  "  the  seams 
of  the   ships   yawned ;   the  salt-meat  became  putrid ; 
the   wheat   was   parched   as   if  with  fire ;    the  hoops 
shrank  from  the  wine-  and  water-casks,  some  of  which 
leaked  and  others  burst ;  while  the  heat  in  the  holds 
of  the  vessels  was  so  suffocating  that  no  one  could 
remain  below  a  sufficient  time  to  prevent  the  damage 
that  was  taking  place.     The  mariners  lost  all  strength 
and  spirits,  and  sank  under  the  oppressive  heat.     It 
seemed  as  if  the  old  fable  of  the  torrid  zone  was  about 
to  be  realized,  and  that  they  were  approaching  a  fiery 
region,  where  it  would  be  impossible  to  exist.     It  is 
true  the  heavens  were  for  a  great  part  of  the  time 
overcast,  and   there   were   drizzling   showers,  but  the 
atmosphere  was  close  and  stifling,  and  there  was  that 
combination  of  heat  and  moisture  which  relaxes  all 
the  energies  of  the  human  frame.^ 

Columbus  now  changed  his  course,  bearing  away  ta 
the  southwest,  in  order  to  escape  the  insufferable  heat. 
He  was  now  approaching  that  mysterious  line  run- 
ning-north and  south  one  hundred  leagues  west  of  the 
Azores,  crossing  which  he  invariably  found  such  a 
remarkable  change  in  sea  and  sky  and  air,  all  nature 
there  becoming  so  much  more  mild  and  refreshing. 
The    present   voyage   was   no   exception..      He    soon 

1  Irving's  Columbus,  vol.  ii,  pp- 116,  117. 


iaia8Bt»^aiWM»^gaa<i«Bei»wywiiw>r«Mtma^^ 


332 


TRiyiDAD. 


e,„e,«ed   into   .In.   -""-""K  --f^""-   Jl"' ^'it 
broke  the  sun  shone,  and  a  cool,  inviKoratinR  bree/e 

fi  led  t  sails.  Cohunbus  wonUl  have  '-"  glad'" 
have  borne  awav  stiU  farther  to  the  south  but  the 
ships  were  letting  in  the  water  throuRh  the.r  gaptng 
selms  the  provisions  were  spoiling,  and  the  water  was 
"el  nigh  exhansted.  So  he  followed  the  fl.ght  of 
Wrds  and  other  favorable  indieations  d.rectly  to  the 

*  mv  after  day  passed,  and  yet  no  land  met  their 
anlioL  gaze  along  the  horizon.  The  ere.vs  becatne 
Tpatlnt^and  the' ships  were  tnrned  -rth  .«  seareh 
of  the  Caribbee  islands.  It  is  midday,  on  the  .,ist 
°f  „1v  and  there  is  bnt  one  cask  of  water  ,n  each 
Ihip  when  a  sailor  at  the  mast-head  gives  the  joyfnl 
^rvrf  "Landl"  Three  monntain  peaks  peer  above 
ZL.  Xs  the  ships  approach,  these  nnite  tn  „^,e 
solid  monntain  at  the  base.  How  sngges nve  Co- 
Uns  had  already  <>ccided  to  name  the:    -   -  d  d.^ 

?:i::^^^rl:.ZTasX:Vange  coincidence 
U    hi  t'riple-peaked  monntain  pointing  heavenward! 

21  ,^  sqnadron  makes  for  the  sontheastern  extrenuty 
:;  the  island,  which  looks  so  much  hke  a  galley  under 
can  that  he  names  it  Punta  de  la  Galera. 

He  begTns  the  month  of  August  by  coasting  along 
the  beautiful  southern  shore,  with  its  groves  of  p^lms 
sweeping  down  to  the  very  edge  of  :he  water.  Here 
troa"e  delightful  fountains  and  running  streams. 
If  the  shore?  are  low  and  uninhabited,  there  ar 
sea  terefhamlets  aud  signs  of  cultivation  m  many 


I'he  clouds 
,ng  bree/.e 
:eii  glad  to 
h,  but  the 
leir  gapiug 
water  was 
le  flight  of 
ctly  to  the 

I  met  their 
ews  became 
h  ill  search 
Ml  the  31st 
ter  in  each 
i  the  joyful 

peer  above 
nite  in  one 
sstive !  Co- 
rst  land  dis- 

the  sacred 
coincidence, 
lieavenward 
ill  the  crews, 
:rn  extremity 
galley  under 


)asting  along 
ves  of  palms 
vater.  Here, 
ling  streams, 
d,  there  are 
ion  in  many 


io«l«*«i«)J«J««?l». 


234  TRACKS  ON  THE  SHORE. 

parts  i)f  the  more  elevated  interior.  They  sail  five 
lca<^aies  before  they  can  find  a  safe  harbor  to  careen 
the''  ships.  Bnt  the  climate  is  so  delightful,  every 
thing  is  so  fresh  and  green,  and  there  is  such  a  sweet 
odor  from  off  the  land  that  the  crews  can  only  think 
of  "  the  delights  of  early  spring  in  the  beautiful 
province  of  Valencia." 

But  the  ships  must  have  fresh  water.  So  the  boats 
go  ashore  at  a  point  named  Punta  de  la  Ploya,  and 
fill  their  casks  at  a  silvery  brook  ;  but  there  is  no 
harbor  nor  people,  only  tracks— of  men  and  goats,  as 
they  suppose,  one  of  which  animals— no  doubt  deer, 
in  which  the  island  was  afterwards  found  to  abound— 
they  find  dead.  Very  soon  they  see  the  shore  on  the 
opposite  side  stretching  away  some  twenty  leagues— 
the  low  land  about  the  mouths  of  the  Orinoco,  their 
first  sight  of  the  South  American  continent,  but  they 
think  it  an  island  and  call  it  La  Isla  Santa ! 

They  must  have  sailed  rapidly,  for  by  the  2d  of 
August  they  were  at  the  southwest  point  of  Trinidad, 
which  Columbus  named  Point  Arenal.  A  correspond- 
ing point  of  the  mainland  stretched  toward  it,  forming 
a  narrow  pass,  with  a  formidable  rock  in  the  centre. 
Near  here  they  cast  anchor  and  meet  a  large  canoe 
with  twenty-four  or  five  Indians  putting  off  from  the 
shore.  At  the  distance  of  a  bow-shot  the  Indians  stop 
and  try  to  communicate,  but  no  one  can  understand 
them.  The  Spaniards  get  out  their  wares— glittering 
trinkets,  looking-glasses  and  basins  of  polished  copper, 
and  elegant  little  hawk's  bells.  But  the  more  they  are 
called  so  much  the  more  do  they  suspect  craft  and 
deceit,  and  gradually  move  backwards.     For  more  than 


E. 


A  SHOWER  OF  ARROWS. 


335 


They  sail  five 
irbor  to  careen 
jliglitful,  every 
is  such  a  sweet 
an  only  think 
the   beautiful 

.  So  the  boats 
;  la  Ploya,  and 
It  there  is  no 
ni  and  goats,  as 
-no  doubt  deer, 
nd  to  abound — 
he  shore  on  the 
^enty  leagues — 
e  Orinoco,  their 
tinent,  but  they 
ianta ! 

T  by  the  2d  of 
mt  of  Trinidad, 
A  correspond- 
>ward  it,  forming 
:  in  the  centre. 
;t  a  large  canoe 
ing  off  from  the 
the  Indians  stop 

can  understand 
/ares — glittering 

polished  copper, 
he  more  they  are 
aspect  craft  and 
.     For  more  than 


two  hours,  paddles  in  hand,  they  stare,  ready  to  be  off 
at  any  moment  in  case  of  approach.  They  are  an  exhi- 
bition for  an  artist — beautifully  formed  young  men, 
naked  as  Apollo  Belvidere,  except  a  slight  cotton  turban 
about  the  head,  so  bright  and  pretty  that  it  reminded 
Columbus  of  the  Moorish  head-dresses,  and  a  party- 
colored  cloth  of  the  same  material  about  the  loins. 
They  have  bows,  and  their  arrows  are  feathered  and 
tipped  with  bone,  and  their  large  wooden  bucklers  are 
the  first  which  have  been  found  among  the  natives. 

But  gifts  do  not  appeal  strongly  enough  to  the  eye 
of  these  savages  to  bring  them  near,  therefore  the 
Admiral  will  try  music  and  dancing — they  are  always 
fond  of  dancing,  especially  to  the  sound  of  their  rude 
wooden  drums.  So  he  orders  some  of  his  ship-boj'S 
onto  the  high  poop  of  his  ship,  to  dance,  while  one 
sang  to  the  stroke  of  the  tabor  and  other  musical 
instruments.  But  this  happens  to  be  the  wrong  move. 
The  Indians  mistake  it  for  a  signal  of  battle,  and 
*'  in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye  "  they  have  dropped  their 
paddles,  adjusted  bows  and  bucklers,  and  let  fly  their 
arrows.  The  Spaniards  discharge  several  of  their 
cross-bows,  and  the  Indians  beat  a  quick  retreat.  As 
they  run  under  the  stern  of  one  of  the  smaller  ships 
the  pilot  throws  a  cap  and  a  mantle  to  the  one  who  is 
most  prominent,  and  he  makes  signs  for  his  benefactor 
to  follow  them  to  the  shore  as  they  land.  The  pilot 
went  to  the  flag-ship  to  ask  permission,  and  the 
Indians,  suspicious  of  danger,  boarded  their  canoe  and 
"fled  as  swift  as  the  wind."  They  were  not  seen 
again. 

But  how  to  account  for  these  charmingly  formed 


-•I*  iiJ*i«.u.i»*«a(«<t«flMl9i«~»l.'Jwtoi*ea»SO»  ,,.aMO««.tlN»<«*ft»tl*«4^.-  >■<■  »^l«Kc«»liW>aA<-»U--.l>»»«a  «i 


336 


A  DEr.ldlTFUL   CLIMATE. 


yoiiiiK'  men  of  such  fair  complexion— fairer  tluin  the 
natives  farther  north,  it  would  sccni,  or  the  Spaniards 
themselves,  indeed— was  a  puzzle  to  Columbus.  Was 
he  not  in  the  seventh  dcj^ree  of  latitude,  as  he  sup- 
posed  ?— really  in  the  tenth.  Why,  then,  according  to 
Ferrer  the  lapidary,  were  not  the  people  ill-.shapen  and 
black,  with  crisped  hair  ?  These  people  had  beautiful 
straight  hair,  which,  by  the  way,  they  did  not  braid, 
as  did  the  Indians  of  Cuba  and  Hispaniola.  The 
temperature,  too,  was  unaccountable.  In  these  dog- 
days  of  the  eciuator,  the  days  even  were  refreshing, 
and  the  nights  and  mornings  were  positively  cool. 
Indeed,  the  crews  were  in  a  state  of  delectation  as  they 
went  ashore  in  this  salubrious  climate,  after  their  long 
confinement  at  sea  in  the  suffocating  calms  of  the 
torrid  zone.  It  is  true  they  can  find  no  gurgling 
springs  or  running  water,  but  they  sink  pits  in  the 
sand,  and  soon  fill  their  casks. 

But  the  Admiral  is  uneasy  because  of  the  bad 
anchorage.  A  rapid  current  is  constantly  setting  in 
from  the  east  like  the  torrents  of  a  great  river,  remind- 
ing him  of  the  furious,  swollen  floods  of  the  Guadal- 
quivir. This  would  make  any  return  of  the  fleet  very 
difficult;  and  the  pass  between  the  approaching  points 
of  the  mainland  and  Trinidad,  about  two  leagues 
across,  which  he  names  the  Mouth  of  the  Serpent,  is 
most  dangerously  forbidding.  Here  the  current  from 
the  east— the  great  Gulf  Stream  from  the  coast  of 
Africa— meets  the  outrushing  floods  of  the  Orinoco, 
and  forms  tremendous  breakers,  thundering  as  if  on 
reefs  and  shoals  of  rocks.  At  a  late  hour  of  the  night, 
wakeful   with    pain    and   anxiously   watching   every 


ircr  than  the 
the  Spaniards 
unibus.  Was 
e,  as  he  snp- 
I,  according  to 
iU-shajJcn  and 
had  beautiful 
lid  not  braid, 
paniola.  The 
[n  these  dog- 
re  refreshing, 
lositively  cool, 
ctation  as  they 
fter  their  long 
calms  of  the 
no  gurgling 
;k   pits  in  the 

e  of  the  bad 
iitly  setting  in 
;  river,  reniind- 
of  the  Guadal- 
■  the  fleet  very 
oaching  points 
t  two  leagues 
the  Serpent,  is 
e  current  from 
n  the  coast  of 
if  the  Orinoco, 
lering  as  if  on 
iir  of  the  night, 
matching   every 


THE  DJi AGON'S  MOUTH. 


$37 


phenomenon  in  this  new  and  strange  part  of  the  world, 
he  was  startled  by  a  most  amazing  manifestation  of 
the  forces  of  nature.  He  says,  "  I  heard  an  awful 
roaring  that  came  from  the  south  towards  the  ship  ;  I 
stopped  to  observe  what  it  might  be,  and  I  saw  the  sea 
rolling  from  west  to  east  like  a  mountain  as  high  as 
the  ship,  and  approaching  by  little  and  little ;  on  the 
top  of  this  rolling  sea  came  a  mighty  wave  roaring 
with  a  frightful  noise  and  the  same  terrific  uproar  as 
the  other  currents,  producing,  as  I  have  already  said, 
a  sound  as  of  breakers  upon  the  rocks.  To  this  day  I 
have  a  vivid  recollection  of  the  dread  I  then  felt  lest 
the  ship  might  founder  under  the  force  of  that  tremen- 
dous sea ;  but  it  passed  by  and  reached  the  mouth  of  the 
before-mentioned  passage,  where  the  uproar  lasted  for 
a  considerable  time." 

The  nature  of  this  tempest  in  the  Dragon's  Mouth 
must  be  ascertained,  so  boats  were  sent  the  next  morn- 
ing to  sound  the  pass  and  learn  if  these  roaring 
waters  were  breakers  on  rocks  or  opposing  currents, 
or  what.  On  the  return  the  pilot  reported,  to  the  great 
joy  of  all,  that  the  waters  were  deep,  and  that  the 
currents  and  eddies  set  in  from  both  directions.  As 
the  wind  was  favorable,  the  ships  soon  made  trial  of 
the  pass,  and  dropped  safely  into  a  large  tranquil  sea 
on  the  other  side.  They  followed  the  magnificent 
curve  of  the  western  side  of  Trini4ad,  the  great  and 
unknown  Gulf  of  Paria  stretching  away  to  the  west. 
Some  one  lasted  the  water,  and  great  was  their  sur- 
prise to  find  it  almost  as  fresh  and  sweet  as  that  of  a 
river.  As  they  approached  the  northwest  point  of 
Trinidad,  about  14  leagues  from  Point  Arenal,  a  moun- 


rtiifii<«.ai«>>«si*«««^».sw*Mfc'»***Kiiai^^ 


338 


A  BEAUTIFUL   COAST. 


tainoiis  point  loomed  up  just  a  little  to  the  west.  It 
was  the  long,  narrow  stretch  of  the  mainland  which 
bounds  the  Gulf  of  Paria  on  the  north.  Here,  between 
this  point  in  the  west  and  the  northeastern  end  of 
Trinidad,  the  currents  met  again,  forming  a  more 
dangerous  strait  than  the  Mouth  of  the  Serpent,  since 
it  contained  great  rocky  islands.  So  the  Admiral 
called  it  the  Mouth  of  the  Dragon. 

This  he  did  not  wish  to  encounter.  Sailing,  there- 
fore, toward  the  west,  on  Sunday  of  August  5th  he 
concluded  to  pass  this  supposed  island,  which  he  named 
Gracia,  at  the  west  end,  and  sail  directly  north  for 
Hispaniola.  How  intensely  the  crews  must  have  been 
charmed  with  the  salubrious  climate  and  the  entranc- 
ing mountainous  landscape.  All  along,  the  coast  was 
indented  with  excellent  harbors.  Stately  forests 
crowned  the  immense  elevations  of  hill  and  plain,  and 
there  were  numerous  streams  of  water.  In  many 
places  there  was  more  or  less  cultivation,  and  the  most 
luscious  fruits  grew  wild  in  abundance.  Two  things 
particularly  surprised  the  Admiral — the  delightful 
placidity  and  the  increasing  freshness  of  the  sea. 

How  desirous  he  was  of  meeting  the  inhabitants  of 
these  parts.  But  everywhere  they  eluded  him.  Au- 
gust 6th,  they  entered  a  harbor.  Here  were  signs  of 
cultivation,  and  the  boats  were  sent  ashore ;  but  the 
inhabitants  had  fled.  There  were  recent  signs  enough 
of  human  habitation,  but  all  was  deserted  and  silent. 
But  there  were  many  monkeys  climbing  and  chatter- 
ing in  those  beautiful  and  fruitful  groves  on  the  moun- 
tain sides. 

The)'^  continued  toward  the  west,  and,  finding  the 


IT. 

".  to  the  west.  It 
mainland  which 

.    Here,  between 

theastern  end  of 
forming  a  more 

he  Serpent,  since 
So  the   Admiral 

•.  Sailing,  there- 
of August  5th  he 
1,  which  he  named 
directly  north  for 
vs  must  have  been 

and  the  entranc- 

ong,  the  coast  was 

Stately    forests 

hill  and  plain,  and 

water.     In  many 
ition,  and  the  most 
ince.    Two  things 
•al — the    delightful 
of  the  sea. 
the  inhabitants  of 
eluded  him.     Au- 
lere  were  signs  of 
nt  ashore ;  but  the 
ecent  signs  enough 
eserted  and  silent, 
inbing  and  chatter- 
;roves  on  the  moun- 

5t,  and,  finding  the 


THE  NATIVES. 


339 


country  more  level,  anchored  in  the  mouth  of  a  river. 
Here  a  canoe  with  some  three  Indians  came  off  to 
meet  them.  As  they  approached  the  nearest  caravel, 
the  captain  made  as  if  he  would  go  to  land  with  them, 
but  jumped  on  their  canoe  in  such  a  way  as  to  upset 
it,  and  the  natives,  being  precipitated  into  the  water, 
were  captured  before  they  could  escape.  Taken  to 
the  Admiral's  ship,  they  were  treated  to  beads,  hawk's 
bells,  and  sugar.  They  were  delighted,  and  went 
ashore  to  attract  their  acquaintances.  Other  canoes 
now  approached  the  ships.  The  natives  were  tall, 
comely,  and  graceful  as  wild  animals  in  their  move- 
ments. They  had  bows  and  arrows  and  targets.  The 
men,  as  heretofore,  had  bright-colored  cotton  cloths 
around  the  head  and  loins,  the  colors  being  so  delicate 
as  to  resemble  silk  in  the  distance.  The  women  were 
entirely  naked.  They  brought  provisions  of  the  kinds 
common  to  the  natives,  but  they  also  brought  delicious 
drinks,  resembling  beer  and  wine.  Why  do  they 
smell  of  everything — even  the  boat,  the  people,  and 
pieces  of  brass  ?  This  is  their  way  of  examining  and 
testing  things.  They  care  but  little  for  beads,  but  are 
delighted  with  those  tinkling  hawk's  bells.  They  are 
also  charmed  with  brass ;  and,  holding  it  to  their  noses, 
call  it  turey — that  is,  "  from  heaven." 

From  these  Indians  Columbus  understood  that  the 
name  of  their  country  was  Paria,  and  that  farther  to 
the  west  he  would  find  it  more  populous.  Taking 
several  of  them  to  serve  as  guides  and  mediators,  he 
proceeded  eight  leagues  westward  to  a  point  which  he 
called  Aguja,  or  the  Needle.  Here  he  arrived  at  three 
o'clock  in  the  morning.     When  the  day  dawned  he 


.-<s«»»>swK*s^*^*^«**»*>**a«*^i^*>'^^  '- " 


;.Af>*..'i^3?^*U,'-■v*,^*^«««w«aWwl*«^^ 


GOLD  AND  PEARLS. 
34° 

was  deliEhted  with  the  beauty  of  the  coutitry.    It  was 
activated    in    many    places,    highly   populous,    and 
Tdo  led  with  magnificent  vegetation ; J.ab.tat.o-  were 
interspersed  among  groves  laden  wtth  frmU  and  flow- 
ers  •  grape-vines  entwined  themselves  among  the  trees 
and  birds  of  brilliant  plumage  fluttered  among  the 
branches.     The  air  was  temperate  and  bland  and 
sweetened  by  the  fragrance  of  flowers  and  blossoms 
anlnumeron's  fountains  and  limpid  streams  kept  up  a 
tmiversal  verdure  and  freshness.    Columbus  was  so 
n,uch  charmed  with  the  beauty  and  amemty  of  th^s 
nart  of  the  coast  that  he  gave  .t  the  name  of     The 
G^dens."'    What  a  tour  this  would  have  been  for  a 

"X" I'e  shores  teemed  with  the  canoes  of  the 
narivrs-canoes  much  superior  to  any  they  had  ye 
seen-larger,  lighter,  and  with  a  sort  of  cabin  m  tU 
x^'ddle     The  natives,  who  urged  the  Adm.ral  in  the 
Tame  of  their  cacique  to  come  to  land,  were  qmte 
hfgWy  ornamented.    They  had  about  the.r  necks  tn 
coflars  and  burnished  plates,  considerable  gold  of  a 
hj:  poor  quality,  which  could  be  found  among  th 
hills  not  far  away.    Other  ornaments  of  the  same 
metaUhey  had.    One  Indian  had  a  mass  as  big  as  an 
rnle     But  what  have  those  females  for  garlands  on 
?het  heads,  necklaces,  and  bracelets?    Nothing  less 
han  pearls    and  they  show  the  Spaniards  the  shells- 
mother  ot-parl-from  which  these  have  been  uken^ 
Peter  Martyr  says  that  these  Indian    women  had 
petr  s  in  such    great  abundance    that  the  Spanish 
Cmen '  VplaAd^riumphsh^^ 

ilrving's  Columbus,  vol.  ii.  p.  »a7' 


^Aiuili  wJiii^n >>■ 


AN  INDIAN  ENTERTAINMENT. 


341 


ty.  It  was 
ulous,  and 
itions  were 
s  and  flow- 
gthe  trees, 
among  the 
bland  and 
d  blossoms, 
IS  kept  up  a 
bus  was  so 
enity  of  this 
neof  "The 
;  been  for  a 

Luoes   of  the 
hey  had  yet 
cabin  in  the 
Imiral  in  the 
,  were  quite 
eir  necks,  in 
»le  gold  of  a 
d  among  the 
of  the  same 
3  as  big  as  an 
r  garlands  on 
Nothing  less 
s  the  shells— 
5  been  taken, 
women  had 
the   Spanish 
greater  plenty 


of  stones  of  glass  and  crystal  in  their  garlands, 
crowns,  girdles,  and  such  other  tirements.  Being  asked 
where  they  gathered  them,  they  pointed  to  the  next 
shore  by  the  sea-banks.  They  signified,  also,  by  cer- 
tain scornful  gestures  which  they  made  with  their 
mouths  and  hands,  that  they  nothing  esteemed  pearls. 
Taking,  also,  baskets  in  their  hands,  they  made  signs 
that  the  same   might  be  filled   with  them   in   shorl 

space." 

This  so  excited  Columbus  and  his  crews  that  he  sent 
boats  ashore  to  gather  information,  and  also  to  get 
pearls  to  be  sent  to  Spain.     Now,  not  only  the  multi- 
tude,  which   Peter   Martyr  says  "came   flocking   to 
them  by  heaps,  but  also  the  cacique  and  his  son  came 
to  greet  the  strangers  just  come  down  from  heaven. 
They   brought    them   into    the   large    house   of   the 
cacique— not  built  in  the  round,  wigwam  sLyle,  so  com- 
mon among  the  natives,  but  having  a  front  and  ends— 
fa9ades— quite  architectural  and  large  for  that  coun- 
try—and having  seated  them  on  stools  of  ebony,  finely 
carved,  gave  them  bread,  the  most  luscious  fruits,  and 
their  native  beers  and  wines,  both   white   and  red.^ 
During  this  entertainment  the  women  were  in  one  end 
of  the  house  and  the  men  in  the  other,  in  the  manner 
of  a  meeting  of  the  Friends.     The  strangers  are  next 
taken  to  the  house  of  the  cacique's  son  and  feasted 

again.  «  / 

These  people  made  a  most  unique  impression  on  the 
Spaniards,  they  were  so  aflfable,  so   martial   in   their 

•Columbus  takes  pains  to  say  that  these  wines  were  "  not  made  of  grapes, 
but  apparently  produced  from  different  fruits.  The  most  reasonable  infer- 
ence is  that  they  use  maize." 


i*av.**«;*ta"i^*-  .^.•wf*'- 


HOW  PEARLS  GJiOWt 

342 

bearing,  so  keen-eyed  and  intelligent,  so  unlike  the 
coarse  black  people  Columbus  expected  to  find  here, 
almost  under  the  equator.     They  brought  presents, 
as  everywhere  else;   parrots  of  vanous  colors  some 
large  as  comestic  fowls.      They  also    brought    the 
much-coveted   pearls,  which   they   read.ly   exchanged 
for  hawk's  bells  and  brass.    The  finest  of  the  pea  Is 
were  selected  to  be  sent  to  the  sovereigns  of  Spain_ 
When  they  were  questioned  as  to  where  they  found 
these  pearls  with  which  nearly  all  the  women  were  so 
finely  ornamented,   "they  Poir*^  "?  «"'".°  "°'^; 
tains"    says    Peter    Martyr,    "  seeming    with    their 
countenances  to  dissuade  our  men  from  «»»/  Either ; 
for  putting  their  arms  in  their  mouths,  and  gnnn.ng 
as  though  they  bit  the  same,  still  pointing  to  the 
mountains,  they  seemed  to  insinuate  that  men  were 
eaten  there,  but  -vhether  they  meant  by  cannibals  or 
wild  beasts  our  men  could  not  perceive." 

"  They  took  it  exceedingly  grievously,'    says  the 
same  author,  "  that  they  could  neither  understand  our 
mTn  nor  oilr  men  them."     Perhaps  no  intercourse 
between  the  Spaniards  and  natives  wa^  ever  more  novel 
and  pleasing  than  this.    But  Columbus  is  desirous  of 
getting  around  the  western  end  of   this    supposed 
fsland  called  Gracia,  so  he    sails    away,   dreaming 
a^ut    ^rU,  accordiW  to  the  habit  of   his   quick 
imarination.      Did  not  Pliny   say  that  pearls  were 
g"nfrated  from  drops  of  dew  which  fell  into  the  open 
mouths  of  oysters  ?    This  country  had  an  abundance 
Jdlw,  and 'oysters  so  abundant  that  a  branch  lying 
in  the  water  would  become  laden  with  them,  and  the 
mangrove  trees  growing  along  the  shore  and  laving 


*Mwi«m»i*!>  "^rtjiito  m»M 


SUFFERINGS  OF  THE  ADMIRAL. 


343 


unlike  the 
o  find  here, 
it  presents, 
:olors,  some 
rought    the 

exchanged 
'  the  pearls 
as  of  Spain, 
i  they  found 
men  were  so 
rtain  moun- 

with  their 
)ing  thither; 
md  grinning 
nting  to  the 
at  men  were 

cannibals  or 

iy,"  says  the 
iderstand  our 
o  intercourse 
er  more  novel 
is  desirous  of 
[lis    supposed 
ly,    dreaming 
■A   his    quick 
pearls  were 
into  the  open 
an  abundance 
L  branch  lying 
them,  and  the 
ore  and  laving 


their  boughs  in  the  tranquil  waters  would  soon  be 
clustered  with  them.  Las  Casas,  commenting  on 
these  flights  of  fancy  in  the  Admiral,  notices  that 
these  oysters  dwelling  in  shallow  waters  do  not  produce 
pearls  ;  but  that  this  valuable  kind,  "  by  a  natural 
instinct,  as  if  conscious  of  their  precious  charge,  hide 
themselves  in  the  deepest  waters."^ 

About    the   loth   of  August    the  crews  discerned 
points   of  the  mainland  to  the  west  of  the    Gulf  of 
Paria,  and  thought  they  were  now  nearing  an  outlet 
between  islands.      But  the  water  became  so  shallow 
that    the    flag-ship,    drawing    three    fathoms,    could 
venture  no  further.      A  light  caravel  was  sent  on  to 
find  the  supposed  outlet,  but  it  returned  the  next  day 
reporting  simply  gulfs  and  mouths  of  rivers  with  an 
abundance   of  fresh    water.      There  was  no  choice  of 
way.     The  fleet  must  go  back  and  out  at  the  Mouth 
of  the  Dragon.     Nor  could  there  be  any  delay,  much 
as  he  might  desire  to  explore  this  promising  region, 
for  his  sea-stores  were  failing  and  the  supplies   for 
Hayti  were  in  danger  of  damaging.    His  gout,  too,  was 
insufferable,  and  the  accustomed  inflammation  of  his 
eyes  had  become  so  serious  with  constant  watching  and 
loss  of  sleep  that  he  writes,  "  never  were  my  eyes  so 
much  affected  with  bleeding  or  so  painful  as  at  this 
period."     There  was  even  danger  of  a  repetition  of  the 
entire  nervous  prostration  experienced  on  his  return 
from  the  south  of  Cuba.  - 

The  sails  were  spread  for  the  Mouth  of  the  Dragon  on 
the  nth  of  August,  and  the  fleet  was  borne  along  so 
rapidly  by  the  currents  of  fresh  water  on  their  way  to 

>La8  Casas,  Hist.  Ind.,  cap.  136. 


^j^,j^iaj^v.;r<=aa»>**<*^**w^«'^»«**^»****^*^  * 


S- 


A  DIFFICUL  T  PA  SS. 

344 

the  sea  that  by  Sunday,  the  13th,  they  cast  anchor 
near  the  outlet,  in  a  fair  harbor,  the  neighborhood  of 
which  so  abounded  with  monkeys  that  he  named  it 
after  them-Puerto  de  Gatos.     Here  were  mangroves 
loaded  with  oysters,  their  mouths  being  open  to  catch 
the  dew  1     The  pass  of  the  Mouth  of  the  Dragon,  some 
five  leagues  across,  would  have  been  wide  enough,  had 
it  not  been  for  the  islands  which  blocked  its  current  and 
increased  the   stupendous  billows  which,  contending 
with  each  other,  threatened  to  engulf  his  frail  ships. 
Were  these  angry  waves  breakers  on  shoals  of  rock,  or 
were  they  simply  the  commotion  of  immense  currents 
opposed  to  each  other-the  fresh  water  struggling  to  get 
cut  and  the  ocean  contending  to  come  in  ?    There  was 
neither  pilot  nor  chart  to  guide  these  first  ships  of  dis- 
covery.   Columbus,  having  studied  the  situation  and  the 
action  of  the  waters  carefully,  concluded  to  make  trial 
of  the  passage,  especially  as  a  fresh  breeze  was  now 
favorable.     The  wind  died  away,  however,  while  he  was 
vet  in  the  tempest  of  the  straits,  but  he  was  safely 
carried  through  by  the  sweeping  currents  into  the  open 
sea  beyond.     The  Admiral,  with  his  usual  skill   in 
observation,  now  conjectured  that  the  currents  and  the 
overwhelming  mountains  of  water  which  rushed  into 
these  straits  with  such  an  awful  roaring  arose  from  the 
contest  between  the  fresh  water  and  the  sea.    The  fresh 
water  struggled  with  the  salt  to  oppose  its  entrance,  and 
the  salt  contended  against  the  fresh  in  its  efforts  to  gain 

a  passage  into  the  gulf.  .  ,      ,       j    1  -^ 

Still  conceiving  this  point  to  be  an  island,  and  skirt- 
ing it  to  the  west,  he  expected  to  find  a  gulf  of  pearis  at 
its  western  end.    Passing  a  number  of  islands  and  many 


cast  anchor 
jhborhood  of 
le  named  it 
;  mangroves 
jen  to  catch 
)ragon,  some 
enough,  had 
5  current  and 
,  contending 
5  frail  ships. 
Is  of  rock,  or 
ense  currents 
igglingtoget 
?    There  was 
ships  of  dis- 
lation  and  the 
to  make  trial 
;eze  was  now 
,  while  he  was 
le  was  safely 
into  the  open 
isual  skill   in 
rrents  and  the 
1  rushed  into 
arose  from  the 
ea.    The  fresh 
3  entrance,  and 
J  efforts  to  gain 

and,  and  skirt- 
ulf  of  pearls  at 
ands  and  many 


DISS  A  TISFA  CTION  ABOUT  PEARL  S.       345 

fine  harbors,  on  the  15th  he  came  upon  the  islands  Cu- 
bagua  and  Margarita.     Here  he  found  a  number  of 
Indians  fishing  for  pearls.      These   fled,  and   a   boat 
being   sent  in  pursuit  of  them,   there  was  noticed  a 
female  with  many  strings  of  pearls  about  her  neck. 
One  of  the  sailors  having  a  porcelain  plate  painted  in 
gaudy  colors,  broke  it  in  pieces,  and  succeeded  in  bar- 
tering it  away  for  quite  a  number  of  the  much-coveted 
ornaments.     The  Admiral  then  sent  a  number  of  pretty 
plates  on   shore,  and   also  hawk's  bells,  which  were 
readily  taken  in  exchange  for  about  three  pounds  of 
pearls,  some  of  which,  being  quite  large,  were  sent  to  the 
King  and  Queen  of  Spain.     Bernaldez  says  that  when 
he  "  discovered  the  Pearl  Islands  he  would  allow  the 
men  to  keep  nothing  for  themselves,  except  a  trifle  as  a 
specimen.    This  produced  great  dissatisfaction  among 
the  sailors,  because  he  had  told  them  that  whatever 
God  should  give  them  or  throw  in  their  way  he  would 
share  with  them;  whereas  he  now  said  that  the  King 
and  Queen  had  sent  them  on  this  voyage  to  make  dis- 
coveries, and  not  to  enrich  themselves."      This  only 
shows  that  new  conditions  had  arisen,  and  that  the  Ad- 
miral had  grown  wiser  since  the  making  of  the  above 
promise,  which  probably  occurred  on  the  first  voyage. 

Great  was  the  temptation  to  explore  these  regions 
still  further,  for  the  natives  mentioned  other  places 
in  the  vicinity  which  they  said  ^bounded  in  pearls. 
And  that  magnificent  range  of  mountains  stretching 
westward  along  the  coast  of  Paria  as  far  as  one  could 
see !— might  it  not  be  a  part  of  the  mainland  of  Asia  ? 
But  the  time  was  come  to  return  to  Hispaniola.  His 
presence  was  greatly  needed  there,  and  he  was  well- 


346 


A  GREAT  CONTINENT. 


f 


k 


nigh  exhausted  by  the  hardships  of  his  voyage.  His 
eyes  were  now  so  diseased  that  he  was  obliged  to  give 
up  all  observations,  even  the  ordinary  lookout  hav- 
ing to  be  entrusted  to  his  pilots. 

But  if  the  external  vision  was  closed  almost  to  total 
blindness,  reflection  and  deductive  reasoning  were 
active.  His  recent  observations,  so  novel  and  so  pro- 
foundly impressive,  in  this  hitherto  undiscovered  part 
of  the  world,  were  extremely  suggestive  and  furnished 
material  for  several  very  remarkable  conceptions  and 
generalization  s. 

First.  The  immense  torrents  of  fresh  water  rushing 
into  the  Gulf  of  Paria  indicated  a  continent  of  incalcu- 
lable extent  to  the  west  and  south.     It  must  be  that 
most  of  the  land  he  had  seen  about  that  body  of  water 
was  in  some  way  connected,  the  shore  to  the  west  of 
Margarita  trending  away  immeasurably  to  the  west,  and 
the  land  to  the  west  of  the  Mouth  of  the  Serpent  run- 
ning south  beyond  the  equator,  and  so  including  an 
immense  unexplored  territory  of  the  most  precious  com- 
modities, such  as  Ferrer  had  located  along  the  equator. 
So  the  old  writers,  Aristotle,  Seneca,  St.  Augustin,  and 
Cardin.\l  Aliaco,  must  be  correct  in  supposing  the 
greater  part  of  the  globe  to  be  land— perhaps  six  parts 
out  of  seven,  as  Esdras  of  the  Apocrypha  had  said. 
Who  could  tell  what  benignant  stars  might  shine  on 
this  boundless,  unknown  continent?     Happy  he  who 
should  open  up  its  treasures  to  the  cinlized  world ! 

These  stupendous  ocean  currents— compared  lyith 
which  earth's  mightiest  rivers  are  but  rivulets— taking, 
by  some  mysterious  forces,  a  well-defined  course  through 
the  great  seas— especially  that  great  equatorial  current 


'a 


«»i«WUI»»'U*ll>lllii'-"".VII»»M»'*J—'-"'  «'."l»l»"  • 


OCEAN  CURRENTS, 


347 


yage.  His 
ged  to  give 
okout  hav- 

lost  to  total 
miiig  were 
and  so  pro- 
overed  part 
id  furnished 
eptions  and 

ater  rushing 
t  of  incalcu- 
lust  be  that 
Ddy  of  water 

the  west  of 
Lhe  west,  and 
Serpent  run- 
ncluding  an 
)recious  com- 

the  equator, 
.ugustin,  and 
iipposing  the 
laps  six  parts 
ha  had  said, 
ight  shine  on 
appy  he  who 
id  world ! 
impared  with 
ilets — taking, 
3urse  through 
torial  current 


— were  they  not  sculptors  of  the  landscape,  cutting  off 
portions  of  the  mainland,  and  thus  fringing  the  conti- 
nents with  islands  ?  Else  why  do  these  islands  invari- 
ably lie  lengthwise  with  the  currents  ?  What  a  reve- 
lation to  him  would  have  been  the  earth's  grand  sys- 
tem of  ocean  currents  as  we  now  understand  them  I  But 
more  wonderful  still  would  have  been  his  supposed  great 
continent  to  the  west  and  south,  as  well  as  all  the  con- 
tinental lands  and  the  islands  of  that  half  of  the  globe 
discovered  by  his  wonderful  genius,  courage,  and 
energy ! 

But  we  must  not  fail  to  notice  still  another  striking 
conception,  which,  however  much  the  learned  of  to-day 
may  ridicule  it,  was  by  no  means  a  stupid  generaliza- 
tion, if  we  consider  how  little  was  then  known  of  the 
shape  and  contents  of  the  earth.  The  facts  in  nature 
which  he  co-ordinated  all  lent  themselves  readily 
enough  to  his  hypothesis  as  to  the  form  of  the  earth's 
surface  in  the  absence  of  that  knowledge  of  other  facts 
which  have  since  corrected  it.  Is  it  too  much  to  say 
that  deductions  far  more  absurd  have  been  made  by 
philosophical  speculators  of  the  greatest  authority  in 
our  own  day  ? 

"I  have  always  read,"  he  says,  "that  the  world 
comprising  the  land  and  the  water  was  spherical,  and 
the  recorded  experiences  of  Ptolemy  and  all  others 
have  proved  this  by  the  eclipses  of  the  moon,  and 
other  observations  made  from  east  to  west,  as  well  as 
by  the  elevation  of  the  pole  from  north  to  south.  But, 
as  I  have  already  described,  I  have  now  seen  so  much 
irregularity  that  I  have  come  to  another  conclusion 
respecting  the  earth,  namely,  that  it  is  not  round  as 


ijimiiji  '.I   ii"i  ""I  iT'T'" 


3^8  r//E  EARTH  PEAR-SHAPED, 

they  describe,  but  of  the  form  of  a  pear,  which  is  very 
round  except  where  the  stalk  grows,  at  which  part  it 
is   most   prominent ;   or   like  a  round  ball,  upon  one 
part  of  which  is  a  prominence  like  a  woman's  nipple, 
this  protrusion  being  the  highest  and  nearest  the  sky, 
situated  under  the  equinoctial  line,  and  at  the  eastern 
extremity  of  the  sea— I  call  that  the  eastern  extremity 
where  the  land  and  the  islands  end.     In  confirmation 
of  my  opinion,  I  refer  to  the  arguments  which  I  have 
above  detailed  respecting  the  line  which  passes  from 
north  to  south  a  hundred  degrees  west  of  the  Azores ; 
for  in  sailing  thence  westward  the  ships  went  on  ris- 
ing smoothly  towards  the  sky,  and  then  the  weather 
was  felt  to  be  milder,  on  account  of  which  mildness 
the   needle   shifted   one   point   of   the   compass;   the 
further  we  went  the  more  the  needle  moved  to  the 
northwest,  this  elevation  producing  the  variation  of 
the   circle    which   the  North   star  describes   with  its 
satellites,  and  the  nearer  I  approached  the  equinoctial 
line  the   more   they   rose    and   the   greater  was   the 
difference  in  these  stars  and  in  their  circles.     Ptolemy 
and  the  other  philosophers  who  have  written  upon  the 
globe    thought  that  it   was  spherical,  believing  that 
This  hemisphere  was  round  as  well  as  that  in  which 
they  themselves  dwelt,  the  centre  of  which  was  in  the 
island  of  Arin,^  which  is  under  the  equinoctial  line 
between  the  A;abian  Gulf  and  the  Gulf  of  Persia;  and 
the  circle  pa^s  over  Cape^.^^incent^m_Portugal, 

■ T'-        i^na"   saTs^M^,   "not  infrequent   in  those  days,  for  the 

J^aM^JTro,  IndTir  o"  im'o,  On<rtn. ,.  M..W..  .h.ne.  ...  Ud.... 
reckoned  their  first  meridian." 


'J 


SSggawi«i^v-Sr«ea<,»»*««M«««^^ 


hich  is  very 
hich  part  it 
il,  upon  one 
lan's  nipple, 
rest  the  sky, 
;  the  eastern 
rn  extremity 
confirmation 
vhich  I  have 
passes  from 
the  Azores; 
went  on  ris- 
the  weather 
ich  mildness 
ompass  ;   the 
tioved  to  the 
variation  of 
ibes   with  its 
le  equinoctial 
Iter  was   the 
,es.     Ptolemy 
itten  upon  the 
lelieving  that 
that  in  which 
ch  was  in  the 
uinoctial  line, 
)f  Persia ;  and 
,  in  Portugal, 

those  days,  for  the 
whence  the  Indians 


THE  PROOF  OF  THE  PEAR-SHAPE.       349 

westward,  and  eastward  by  Cangara  and  the  vSeras,*  in 
which  hemisphere  I  make  no  difficulty  as  to  its  being 
a   perfect  sphere  as  they  describe  ;  but  this  western 
half  of  the  world,  I  maintain,  is  like  the  half  of  a  very 
round  pear,  having  a  raised  projection  foi  the  stalk,  as 
I  have  already  described,  or  like  a  woman's  nipple  on 
a  very  round  ball.     Ptolemy  and  the  others  who  have 
written  upon  the  globe  had  no  information  respecting 
this  part  of  the  world,  which  was  then  unexplored  ; 
they  only  established  their  arguments  with  respect  to 
their  own  hemisphere,  which,  as  I  have  already  said, 
is  half  of  a  perfect  sphere.     And  now  that  your  High- 
nesses  have  commissioned  me  to  make  this  voyage  of 
discovery,  the  truths  which  I  have  stated  are  evidently 
proved,  because   in  this  voyage,  when  r  was  off  the 
island  of   Margin'  and  its  vicinity,  which   is  twenty 
degrees  to  the  north  of  the  equinoctial  line,  I  found 
the  people  are  black,  and  the  land  very  much  burnt ; 
and  when,  after  that,  I  went  to  the  Cape  Verde  Islands, 
I  found  the  people  there  much  darker  still,  and  the 
more  southward  we  went  the  more  they  approach  the 
extreme  of  blackness  ;    so  that  when   I   reached  the 
parallel  of  Sierra  Leone,  where,  as  night  came  on,  the 
North  star  rose  five  degrees,  the   people   there   were 
excessively  black ;  and  as  I  sailed  westward  the  heat 
became  extreme.      But,  after  I  had  passed  the  meridian 
or  line  which  I  have  already  described,  I  found  the 
climate   become   gradually  more   temperate;    so  that 
when   I  reached   the   island   of  Trinidad,  where   the 
North  star  rose  five  degrees  as  night  came  on,  there 
and  in  the  land  of  Gracia  I  found  the  temperature 

ijapan  and  China.         »Arguin,  west  of  Africa. 


350 


A  MESS/:  NO  BR  TO  DON  liARTHOLOMEW, 


1/ 

«*■■ 


excccdiiiK'ly  mild  ;  the  fields  and  the  foliage  likewise 
were  remarkably  fresh  and  green,  ;  nd  as  beantiful  as 
the  gardens  of  Valencia  in  April.  The  people  there 
are  very  gractfnl  in  form,  less  dark  than  those  whom 
I  had  before  seen  in  the  Indies,  and  wear  their  hair 
long  and  smooth ;  they  are  also  more  shrewd,  intelli- 
gent and  conrageons.  The  snn  was  then  in  the  sign 
of  Virgo,  over  onr  heads  and  theirs  ;  therefore  all  this 
mnst  proceed  from  the  extreme  blandness  of  the  tem- 
peratnre,  which  arises,  as  I  have  said,  from  this  coun- 
try being  the  most  elevated  in  the  world,  and  the 
nearest  to  the  sky.'" 

On  the  19th  of  August  the  Admiral's  ships  reached 
Hispaniola,  fifty  leagues  west  of  the  new  port  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Ozema.  The  strong  currents,  of  which 
he  had  not  yet  learned  the  full  force,  had  carried  hira 
far  out  of  his  intended  course  during  the  less  watch- 
ful hours  of  the  night.  It  was  impossible  to  conjecture 
how  much  these  currents  might  retard  his  sailing  east- 
ward ;  so  he  landed  in  order  to  find  a  messenger,  who 
-might  carry  a  letter  to  the  adelantado  by  land,  thus 
advising  the  latter  of  his  safe  arrival.  At  once  Bar- 
tholomew started  in  a  caravel  to  meet  the  Admiral. 

Meanwhile  the  latter  was  not  a  little  uneasy,  for  he 
had  seen  a  native  carrying  a  cross-bow.  This  was  not 
an  article  to  be  sold  or  given  away  by  the  Spaniards. 
Might  it  not  indicate  some  calamity  like  that  of  La 
Navidad  ?  In  order  to  form  some  conception  of  the 
intelligence  which  Bartholomew  was  to  bring  the 
Admiral,  let  us  go  back  a  few  years  and  learn  the 
fortunes  of  the  adelantado  in  governing  the  colony. 

'Letter  to  Ferdinand  «nd   Isabella,    deicribing  hi»   third   voyage.     See 
Select  Letters  of  Christopher  Columbus,  by  R.  H.  Major. 


OLO.\fEW. 

ige  likewise 
beautiful  as 
people  there 
those  whom 
r  their  hair 
•ewd,  intelli- 

in  the  sign 
fore  all  this 

of  the  tem- 
n  this  coun- 
rld,  and   the 

lips  reached 
port  at  the 
its,  of  which 
carried  hira 
;  less  watch- 
to  conjecture 
sailing  east- 
ssenger,  who 
ly  land,  thus 
\t  once  Bar- 
Admiral, 
leasy,  for  he 
rhis  was  not 
e  Spaniards. 
;  that  of  La 
ption  of  the 
o  bring  the 
ad  learn  the 
le  colony. 

lird  voyage.    See 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

THE  ADELANTADO  AND  KOLDAN. 

ARTHOLOMEW  COLUMBUS  was  a  man  of 
great  resolution  and  energy.     As   soon    as 

the   Admiral   had    departed   for    Spain,   in 

March,  1496,  placing  his  brother  Diego  over  the  affairs 
of  Isabella,  he  mustered  a  force  of  over  four  hundred 
men,  and  marched  to  the  south  side  of  the  island  in 
order  to  develop  the  gold-mines  of  Hayna— the  sup- 
posed Ophir  of  Solomon.  On  a  site  abounding  in  ore 
he  built  a  fort  named  San  Christoval  ;  but  the  work- 
men, on  account  of  the  golden  grains  which  gleamed 
in  the  rocks  and  in  the  sands,  called  it  the  Golden 

Tower. 

In  three  months  this  large  force  had  erected  the 
fortress  and  gotten  the  mining  and  purifying  of  the 
ore  under  way.  But  so  many  men  could  not  be  easily 
supported  in  the  wilderness,  especially  in  such  a  moun- 
tainous country.  Nor  did  the  natives  any  longer  bring 
their  fish,  fruits,  and  cassava-bread ;  for  by  this  time 
some  doubt  had  arisen  in  their  minds  as  to  the  heavenly 
origin  of  these  men— so  cruel,  so  licentious,  so  eager 
for  gold.  Bartholomew,  therefore,  left  but  ten  men  to 
guard  the  fortress,  with  a  dog  to  catch  the  little  rat- 
hke  utia  ;  and  taking  the  four  hundred  into  the  neigh- 
borhood qf  Fort  Conception,  in  the  Vega  Real,  he 
called  on  the  cacique,  Guarionex,  for  supplies  while  he 
collected  tribute.     A  generous  man  this  Indian  poten- 


jt^e^^si&^t^m*' 


'1  i 
■i-'ii 


352  SHIPS  WITH  SUPPLIES  ARRIVE. 

tate  must  have  been,  to  feed  this  multitude  of  foreign- 
ers, with  such  capacious  stomachs,  and  pay  tax  at  the 

same  time.  _       •    t  1 

But  in  the  course  of  a  month— some  time  m  jUly— 
Niflo  arrived  from  Spain  with  his  three  ship-loads  of 
men  and  supplies.  As  was  generally  the  case  in  cross- 
ing the  Atlantic,  much  of  the  provisions  had  spoiled, 
and  thus  the  colony  failed  to  receive  the  full  measure 
of  relief  it  so  greatly  needed ;  for,  after  nearly  five 
years  of  colonial  life  in  this  genial  climate,  in  this 
land  of  great  and  quick  resources,  hunger  still  pre- 

vailed.  ,   ,  11.^ 

These  ships,  it  will  be  remembered,  brought  letters 
from  the   Admiral— letters  written  under  the  sharp 
impulses  received  when  coming  in  contact  with  the 
unhappy  public    sentiment   in   Spain.      Two  points 
needed  immediate  attention— the  gold-mines  at  Hayna, 
must  be  developed,  and  such  of  the  native  rulers  and 
their  subjects  as  had  been  involved  in  the  death  of 
the  Spaniards— for  so  the  theologians  had  decided- 
might  be  sent  to  Spain  as  slaves.     At  once  three  hun- 
dred of  these  poor  unfortunates  passed  over  the  gang- 
ways into  the  ship,  to  be  delivered  as  "  gold  in  bars  " 
on  reaching  the  home  slave-market,  and,  with  a  new  sup- 
ply of  provisions,  the  adelantado  set  out  for  the  mouth 
of  the  Ozema,   by  way  of  San  Christoval.     "  They 
aFirm  this  river,"  says  Peter  Martyr,  "  to  have  many 
benefits   of   nature;   for,  wheresoever  it  runneth,  all 
things  are  exceedingly  pleasant  and  fruitful,  having 
on  every  side  groves  of  date  trees  and  divers  other  of 
the  island  fruits  so  plentifully  that,  as  they  sailed  along 
by  the  shore,  oftentimes  the  branches  thereof,  laden 


'y^h 


■iiUw!wa»R«wwai5ian«9^ 


RRIVE. 

:itude  of  foreign- 
d  pay  tax  at  the 

le  time  in  July — 
iree  ship-loads  of 
the  case  in  cross- 
ons  had  spoiled, 
the  full  measure 
after  nearly  five 
i  climate,  in  this 
biunger  still  pre- 

1,  brought  letters 
under  the  sharp 
contact  with  the 
in.      Two  points 
l-mines  at  Hayna, 
native  rulers  and 
L  in  the  death  of 
as  had  decided — 
.t  once  three  hun- 
ed  over  the  gang- 
is  "  gold  in  bars  " 
id,  with  a  new  sup- 
out  for  the  mouth 
iristoval.     "  They 
r,  "  to  have  many 
er  it  runneth,  all 
id  fruitful,  having 
nd  divers  other  of 
s  they  sailed  along 
hes  thereof,  laden 


THE  NE  W  CITY, 


353 


with  flowers  and  fruits,  hung  so  over  their  heads  that 
they  might  pluck  them  with  their  hands." 

Here,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Ozema,  wa^  a  natural 
haven,  with  a  fine  entrance,  deep  water,  and  a  good 
bottom  to  hold  the  anchor.  On  tbe  eastern  side,  there- 
fore, he  located  his  sea-port,  San  Domingo  ;^  for  here 
was  pure  water,  an  abundance  of  fish,  and  a  fertile 
country.  The  site  must  have  been  well  chosen,  for, 
after  four  hundred  years,  the  city  is  still  flourishing  as 
the  capital  of  a  republic.  The  female  cacique  of  this 
locality,  bride  gf  Miguel  Diaz,  who  had  invited  the 
white  men  to  locate  here,  gave  them  a  cordial  recep- 
tion, and  ever  proved  faithful  to  her  promises. 

The  first  building,  a  fortress,  was  soon  completed ; 
and  the  adelantado,  leaving  twenty  men  as  a  garrison, 
took  his  large  force  into  Zaragua,  the  most  western 
province  of  the  island,  in  order  to  adjust  the  tribute  to 
be  levied  on  the  cacique,  Behechio,  and  his  subjects, 
that  province  not  yet  having  beer  consulted  on  this 
important  matter. 

This  was  a  most  beautiful  and  fertile  region,  and 
the  inhabitants  were  noted  for  their  fine  physique, 
intelligence,  and  graceful  manners.  "With  this 
cacique  resided  Anacaona,  widow  of  the  late  formida- 
ble Caonabo.  She  was  sister  to  Behechio,  and  had 
taken  refuge  with  her  brother  after  the  capture  of  her 
husband.  She  was  one  of  the  most  beautiful  females 
of  the  island ;  her  name  in  the  Indian  language  signi- 
fied '  The  Golden  Flower.'  "  She  "  possessed  a  genius 
superior  to  the  generality  of  her  race,  and  was  said  to 
excel  in  composing  those  little  legendary  ballads,  or 

1  This  city  was  first  called  Nueva  Isabella— New  Isabella. 


».' 


*;ii 


354 


ANACAONA. 


'it' 


M 


It 


5n 


i 
ii 


areytos,  which  the  natives  chanted  as  they  performed 
their  national  dances.     All  the  Spanish  writers  agree 
in  describing  her  as  possessing  a  natural  dignity  and 
grace  hardly  to  be  credited  in  her  ignorant  and  savage: 
condition.     Notwithstanding  the  ruin  with  which  her 
husband  had  been  overwhelmed  by  the  hostility  of  the 
white  men,  she  appears  to  have  entertained  no  vindic- 
tive feelings  toward  them,  knowing  that  he  had  pro- 
voked their  vengeance  by  his  own  voluntary  warfare. 
She  regarded  the  Spaniards  with  admiration,  as  almost 
superhuman   beings,  and  her  intelligent    mind   per- 
ceived  the  futility  and  impolicy   of  any  attempt    to 
resist   their   superiority  in   arts   and   arms.     Having 
great  influence  over  her  brother  Behechio,  she  coun- 
selled him  to  take  warning  by  the  fate  of  her  husband 
and  to  conciliate  the  friendship  of  the  Spaniards  ;  and 
it  is  supposed  that  a  knowledge  of  the  friendly  senti- 
ments and  powerful  influences  of  this  princess  in  a 
great  measure  prompted  the  adelantado  to  his  present 
expedition."^ 

Irving  has  posed  this  Indian  queen  so  gracefully 
that  we  could  not  refrain  from  quoting  him.  We  will 
now  quote  Peter  Martyr,  as  translated  by  Eden — all 
but  the  old  style  of  spelling— as  to  the  appearance  of 
the  adelantado  and  his  men  in  Zaragua,  after  collect- 
ing tribute  on  their  way,  and  cutting  down  the  great 
Brazil  trees  and  storing  them.  "  When  the  king  had 
espied  our  men,  laying  apart  his  weapons'*  and  giving 

»Irving'8  Columbus,  vol.  2,  pp.  152,  153. 

•The  cacique  had  come  out  with  a  great  army  equipped  with  bows  and 
arrows  and  club-like  lances ;  but  the  military  array  of  the  Spaniards— their 
cavalry  in  front,  followed  by  the  infantry,  all  marching  to  the  sound  of  drum 
and  trumpet — had  quite  daunted  him. 


signs  of 

whether  i 

them  wha 

that  he  si 

in   the   n 

whom  he 

whereas  i 

forth  golc 

nation  en 

for  gold. 

that  we  s 

he  might 

dered  or 

that  youi 

pini  cott 

desire  yo 

words  he 

him  as  n 

When 

chio's   h< 

thirty  w< 

bines,  be 

singing 

that  thei 

gossamp 

hanging 

forehead; 

affirm  tl 

parts    of 

well  pro 

brown. 

beautiful 


88!-  jaaswaaiSSiasgaiWy 


ARRANGING  THE  TAX. 


355 


'  performed 
iters  agree 
iignity  and 
and  savag(: 

which  her 
ility  of  the 
[  no  vindic- 
le  had  pro- 
try  warfare. 
1,  as  almost 

mind  per- 
attempt  to 
s.  Having 
),  she  coun- 
ler  husband 
niards  ;  and 
endly  senti- 
incess  in  a 

his  present 

)  gracefully 
n.  We  will 
y  Eden — all 
ppearance  of 
after  collect- 
srn  the  great 
lie  king  had 
'  and  giving 


sd  with  bows  and 
Spaniards — their 
le  sound  of  drum 


signs  of  peace,  he  spoke  gently  to  them  (uncertain 
whether  it  were  humanity  or  fear),  and  demanded  of 
them  what  they  would  have.     The  lieutenant  answered 
that  he  should  pay  tribute  to  the  Admiral,  his  brother, 
in   the   name   of  the  Christian   King  of  Spain.     To 
whom  he  said,   '  How  can    you  require  that  of  me, 
whereas  never  a  region  under  my  dominion  bringeth 
forth  gold  ?'    For  he  had  heard  that  there  was  a  strange 
nation  entered  into  the  island,  which  made  great  search 
for  gold.    The  lieutenant  answered  again,  '  God  forbid 
that  we  should  enjoin  any  man  to  pay  such  tiibute  as 
he  might  not  easily  forbear,  or  such  as  were  not  engen- 
dered or  growing  in  the  region ;  but  we  understand 
that  your  regions  bring  forth  great  plenty  cf  gossam- 
pin^  cotton  and  hemp,  with  such   other,  whereof  we 
desire  you   to  give  us  part.'     When   he  heard   these 
words  he  promised,  with  cheerful  countenance,  to  give 
him  as  much  of  these  as  he  would  require." 

When  Bartholomew  and  his  men  approached  Behe- 
chio's  house,  "  first,  there  met  him  a  company  of 
thirty  women,  being  all  the  king's  wives  and  concu- 
bines, bearing  in  their  hands  branches  of  date  trees, 
singing  and  dancing.  They  were  all  naked,  saving 
that  their  privy  parts  were  covered  with  bunches  of 
gossampine  cotton  ;  but  the  virgins,  having  their  hair 
hanging  down  about  their  shoulders,  tied  about  their 
foreheads  with  a  fillet,  were  utterly  naked.  They 
affirm  that  their  faces,  breasts,  paps,  hands,  and  other 
parts  of  their  bodies  were  exceedingly  smooth  and 
well  proportioned,  but  somewhat  inclining  to  a  lovely 
brown.  They  supposed  that  they  had  seen  those  most 
beautiful  dryads  or  the  native  nymphs  or  fairies  of 


356 


INDIAN  AMUSEMENTS. 


H/.l- 


it  -' ' 
'■;  'i , 

m 


>^\ 


the  fountains  whereof  t/.e  antiques  speak  so  much. 
The  branches  of  date  trees  which  they  bore  m  the  right 
hands  when  they  danced  they  delivered  to  the  lieu- 
tenant, with  lowly  courtesy  and  smiling  countenance. 
Thus  entering  into  the  king's  house,  they  found  a 
delicate  supper  prepared  for  them,  after  their  manner. 
When  they  were  all  refreshed  with  meat,  the  night 
drawing  on,  they  were  brought  by  the  king's  officers, 
every  man  to  his  lodging,  according  to  his  degree,  m 
certain  of  their  houses  about  the  palace,  where  they 
rested  them  in  hanging  beds,  after  the  manner  of  the 

country." 

But  the  entertainment  is  not  yet  over.        The  day 
following,"  says  the  same  author,  "  they  brought  our 
men  to  the  common  hall,  into  the  which  they  come 
together  as  often  as  they  make  any  notable  games  or 
triumphs,  as  we  have  said  before.     Here,  after  many 
dancings,  singings,  maskings,  runnings,  wrestlings, 
and  other  tryings  of  masteries,  suddenly  there  appeared, 
in  a  large  plain  near  unto  the  hall,  two  great  armies 
of  men  of  war,  which  the  king  for  his  pastime  had 
caused  to  be  prepared,  as  the  Spaniards  use  the  play 
with  reeds,  which  they  call  Juga  de  Canias.     As  the 
armies  drew  near  together  they  assailed   the  one  the 
other  as  fiercely  as  if  mortal  enemies,  with  their  ban- 
ners spread,  should  fight  for  their  goods,  their  lands, 
their  lives,  their  liberty,  their  country,  their  wives  and 
their  children,  so  that  within  the  moment  of  an  hour 
four  men  were  slain  and  many  wounded.     The  battle 
also  should  have  continued  longer  if  the  king  had 
not,  at  the  request  of  our  men,  caused  it  to  cease." 
When  Don  Bartholomew  returned  to  Isabella,  at  the 


end  of  sur 

ble   condit 

Spain  had 

the  spring 

settlement 

natives  ha 

the  neighl 

their  aid. 

cultivatioi 

mate  was 

pearls,  sp: 

gold-mine 

Everybod 

those  in  h 

complaint 

of  Spain 

governme 

the  harb( 

might  wi; 

of  their  ; 

of  the  oc 

might  in 

inexp'^rie 

Evider 

arouse  tl 

ordered  1 

line  of  fo 

was  com 

of  servic 

as  well  a 

they  mi 

provisioi 


P 


^gf£ivm('m>-'V''mi\%0Sffxir^' 


,^g^5g^gggj^a^^^g^gBt^»W»(»«««« 


CONDITION  OF  THE  COLONY. 


357 


Ic  so  much, 
in  the  right 
to  the  lieu- 
ountenance. 
ley  found  a 
eir  manner. 
t,  the  night 
ig's  officers, 
s  degree,  in 
where  they 
inner  of  the 

"The  day 
brought  our 
h  they  come 
)le  games  or 
,  after  many 
,  wrestlings, 
ere  appeared, 
great  armies 
pastime  had 
ise  the  play 
ias.     As  the 

the  one  the 
th  their  ban- 
;,  their  lands, 
eir  wives  and 
t  of  an  hour 
,  The  battle 
;he  king  had 
to  cease." 
jabella,  at  the 


end  of  summer,  he  found  the  colony  in  a  most  misera- 
ble  condition.     The  supplies  recently  brought   from 
Spain  had  been  exhausted  ;  the  golden  opportunity  of 
the  spring  had  been  neglected,  and,  after  a  five  years 
settlement,   there   was   no    adequate   crop;    and    the 
natives  had  been  so  outraged  that  they  had  abandoned 
the  neighborhood,  and  thus  deprived  the  white  men  of 
their  aid.     No  one  had  the  sagacity  to  see  that  the 
cultivation  of  so  rich  a  soil  i.   such  a  stimulating  cli- 
mate was  a  surer  source  of  v  ealth  than  hunting  for 
pearis,  spices,  and  gold.      For  want  of  supplies   the 
gold-mines,   too,  at    Hayna   were    still   undeveloped. 
Everybody  was  repining.     The  sick  had  no  medicine, 
those  in  health  had  no  bread,  and  all  were  loud  in  their 
complaints  against  Columbus  for  tarrying  at  the  court 
of  Spain  while  they  languished,  forgotten  even  by  the 
government.     There  was  not  so  much  as  a  vessel  in 
the  harbor  to  take  them  home,  however  much  they 
might  wish  to  go— no  way  of  bearing  the  intelligence 
of  their  sufferings  to  their  friends  on  the  other  side 
of  the  ocean  seas.     Here  was  a  state  of  affairs  which 
might  indeed  tax  the  ingenuity  and  the  skill  of  an 
inexp-^rienced  ruler  over  a  strange  people. 

Evidently  there  must  be  some  outlook  of  hope  to 
arouse  these  people.  Two  caravels,  therefore,  were 
ordered  to  be  built  for  the  use  of  the  colony.  The 
line  of  fortresses  between  Isabella  and  San  Domingo 
was  completed  and  garrisoned,  and  those  too  ill  to  be 
of  service  were  quartered  in  the  hamlets  about  them, 
as  well  as  in  other  parts  of  the  interior,  in  order  that 
they  might  enjoy  a  better  climate  and  secure  some 
provisions  from  the  natives.     Those  left  behind  were 


rt'l 


:•/ 


358       MISSIONARIES  AND  THE  NATIVES. 

either  too  ill  to  be  moved  or  not  in  sufficient  health  to 
carry  on  the  affairs  of  the  colony,  particularly  the 
building  of  the  caravels,  and  the  adelantado  returned 
to  San   Domingo  with  a  considerable  body  of  active 

men.  .        •.    ^  ^1. 

For  a  while  all  went  well  with  the  natives,  but  there 

soon  occurred  several  incidents  which  moved  them  to 
a  general  insurrection.      Two  very  devoted  mission- 
aries had  been  most  earnestly  striving  for  the  con- 
version of  the  natives  in  the  Vega.     They  had  won 
over  one  family  of  sixteen  persons,  the  head  of  which, 
on  being  baptized,  was  named  Juan  Mateo.     But  the 
grand  cacique  Guarionex  was  the  chief  object  of  their 
interest      His  conversion  would  greatly  influence  hi_ 
numerous   subjects.      These    labors   were   much   en- 
couraged when   the   chieftain   and  his  whole  family 
repeated  every  day  the  Pater  Noster,  the  Ave  Mana, 
and  the  Creed.      But  the  other  chiefs  ridiculed  him. 
Why  should  he  be   imitating  the   customs   of  these 
strangers— these  tyrannical  usurpers?     Still,  all  this 
might  not  have  influenced  him    had  not  a  Spanish 
official  outraged  his  favorite  wife.     It  was  no  easier  for 
him  than  for  the  more  civilized  to  do  otherwise  than 
to  associate  the  sins  of  a  people  with  their  professions 
of  religion,  and  he  would  have  nothing  to  do  with  a 
religion  which  seemed  to  tolerate  such  crimes. 

The  missionaries,  becoming  discouraged,  moved  into 
the  territory  of  another  cacique.  But  very  soon  after 
this  departure  the  little  chapel  which  they  had  built 
for  the  family  of  converts  left  behind  was  rudely 
despoiled  by  the  pagan  Indians,  who  stamped  the 
images  into  pieces  and  buri-d  Lliem  in  a  field.     Don 


Bartholon 

laws  and 

perpetrate 

fagot."     ] 

an   outraj 

resemblin 

where  th( 

of  a  cross. 

But   th 

natives  fi 

state  of  r 

I  human  f 

or  outraj 

was  shoe 

tortured 

him  a  me 

who  neve 

seeing  h 

entreated 

oppressoi 

even   thi 

chief  in 

against  t 

Thus 

peaceabl 

club  wh 

of  dome; 

jects.     1 

claimed 

belou  /e( 

many   y 

consulte 


Lt  health  to 
:ularly  the 
LO  retiinied 
y  of  active 

bSjbut  there 
/ed  them  to 
ed  iiiission- 
for  the  con- 
ey had  won 
A  of  which, 
:o.     But  the 
ject  of  their 
nfluence  hi. 
;   much   en- 
rhole  family 
:  Ave  Maria, 
diculed  him. 
ms   of  these 
Still,  all  this 
it  a  Spanish 
no  easier  for 
herwise  than 
f  professions 

to  do  with  a 
imes. 

d,  moved  into 

;ry  soon  after 

ey  had  built 

was   rudely 

stamped  the 
a  field.     Don 


FIRE  AND  FAGOT. 


359 


Bartholomew  instituted  a  suit  according  to  the  cruel 
laws  and  methods  of  the  Inquisition,  punishing  the 
perpetrators  of  the  sacrilege  with  death  by  "  fire  and 
fagot."  Indeed,  nature  itself  was  startled  at  so  horrid 
an  outrage,  they  said,  for  some  of  the  agi  roots, 
resembling  turnips  and  radishes,  planted  in  the  field 
where  the  images  had  been  buried,  grew  in  the  shape 

of  a  cross. 

But   this   signal    punishment    of    the   sacrilegious 
natives  failed  to  have  anv   salutary   effect.      In  his 
state  of  nature,  Guarionex  was  far  more  susceptible  of 
human  feelings  than  of   holy  horror  at  a  disrespect 
or  outrage  in  regard  to  any  religion  whatever.     He 
was  shocked  and  horrified  at  seeing  his  subjects  thus 
tortured  and  burned  at  the  stake  for  what  seemed  to 
him  a  mere  trifling  matter.     And  the  other  caciques, 
who  never  looked  with  favor  on  these  strange  customs, 
seeing  how  he  was  irritated  and  provoked,  earnestly 
entreated  him  to  tak^  up  arms  against  these  horrid 
oppressors.     Indeed,  it  would  seem  that  his  subjects 
even   threatened   to   forsake  him  and  set  up  another 
chief  in  his  place  if  he  failed  to  take  up  their  cause 
against  the  Spaniards. 

Thus  this  chieftain,  naturally  so  kind-hearted  and 
peaceable,  was  about  compelled  to  take  up  the  war- 
club  while  smarting  und'cr  his  own  personal  wrongs 
of  domestic  outrage  and  cruel  persecutions  of  his  sub- 
jects. Then,  back  of  all  these  provocations,  there  was 
claimed  to  be  the  fulfilment  of  a  prophecy.  Guarionex 
belot;  ;red  to  a  long  line  of  caciques  ;  and  his  father, 
many  years  before,  after  five  days  of  fasting,  had 
consulted  his   Zemi,   or   household  deity,  as   to   the 


lis 


ii 


t^l 


3% 


-60  ^^  INGENIOUS  MESSENGER. 

future,  and  was  told  that  a  few  years  hence  there 
should  come  a  strange  nation,  wearing  clothing,  whicn 
should  destroy  their  customs  and  make  them  slaves. 

Now  Guarionex  was  ready  to  join  the  other  caciques 
in  making  war  against  their  oppressors.  The  fate  of 
Caonabo  and  the  confederation  led  by  his  brother  was 
fresh  in  their  memories,  but  they  were  goaded  on  by 
despair,  for  death  itself  was  infinitely  better  than  the 
hopeless  oppressions,  outrages,  and  slavery  to  which 
they  had  been  reduced.  The  day  for  paying  their 
quarterly  tribute  was  near ;  then  they  could  come 
together  in  vast  numbers  without  being  suspected, 
and  could  suddenly  massacre  their  enemies. 

But  the  Spaniards  had  long  ears,  and   overheard 
some  whispers  of  the  conspiracy  at  Fort  Conception. 

The   garrison   was  a  mere  handful  m  the  midst  ot 
the  thick  of  the   war-plot.      How  could  they  get  an 
appeal  for  aid  to  the  adelantado   at  San  Domingo? 
"  An  Indian  made  use  of  a  stratagem  m  carrying  the 
letters,"  says  Herrera,  "  which  was  that  they  being 
delivered  to  him  in  a  staff  that  was  hollow  at  one  end 
—the  Indians  having  found  by  experience  that  the 
Spanish  letters   spoke,  they  endeavored  to   intercept 
them— and  the  messenger  falling  into  the  hands  oi 
the  guards  the  revolted  had  posted  on  the  passes,  he 
pretended  to  be  dumb  and  lame ;  in  short,  answering 
them  altogether  by  signs,  and  limping  as  if  he  was 
going  with  much  difficulty  into  his  own  country,  he 
escaped  them,  because  they  thinking  he  had  been 
dumb  asked  him  no  questions,  and  supposing  that  the 
staff  had  been  to  help  him  on  they  did  not  search 
it,  and  thus  the  letters  came   safe  to  Don  Bartholo- 


mew   Co" 

Spaniard; 

Don  B; 

were  in  n 

Bonaparti 

did  for  t 

arrive   to 

assemble 

tado  held 

a  plan  of 

several  p 

their  fon 

into  com] 

there  bei 

They  we 

bind  the 

rionex  w 

have  the 

difficulty 

entered 

daylight 

anything 

the  forti 

plussed 

great  mi 

the  forti 

tions  an 

adelanta 

conspira 

done  m( 

Guarion 

wrongs 


rV 


¥, 


CAPTURING  THE  CACIQUES. 


361 


;nce   there 
ing,  which 
n  slaves, 
er  caciques 
'he  fate  of 
irother  was 
aded  on  by 
ir  than  the 
^  to  which 
lying  their 
:ould   come 
suspected, 

overheard 
nception. 
he  midst  of 
they  get  an 

Domingo  ? 
irrying  the 

they  being 
ir  at  one  end 
ce  that  the 
to  intercept 
le  hands  of 
le  passes,  he 
t,  answering 
IS  if  he  was 

country,  he 
e  had  been 
sing  that  the 
I  not  search 
on  Bartholo- 


mew   Columbus,   which    proved    the    safety    of    the 

Spaniards. 

Don  Bartholomew's  men,  enfeebled  by  short  rations, 
were  in  no  condition  for  long  marches ;  but  Napoleon 
Bonaparte  could  scarcely  have  moved  quicker  than  he 
did  for  the  relief  of  Fort  Conception.     Nor  did   he 


arrive   too   soon. 


for   thousands   of    the   natives   were 


assembled  in  the  Vega,  ready  for  action.     The  adelan- 
tado  held  a  council  of  war  at  the  fort,  which  resulted  in 
a  plan  of  operations  fully  equal  to  the  emergency.    The 
several  points  at  which  the  caciques  had  distributed 
their  forces  were  noted,  and  the  Spaniards  were  divided 
into  companies  of  about  a  hundred  each,  under  a  captain, 
there  being  a  company  to  each  cacique  and  his  forces. 
They  were  to  surprise  the  Indians  while  asleep  at  night, 
bind  the  caciques,  and  bring  them  to  the  fort.     As  Gua- 
rionex  was  the  chief  personage,  the  adelantado  was  to 
have  the  honor  of  capturing  him,  which  he  did  without 
difficulty.     Indeed,  all  the  Indian  quarters  were  quietly 
entered  at  midnight  and  each  cacique  bound,  and  before 
daylight— before  any  of  the  sleepy  Indians  could  do 
anything  for  their  rescue— fourteen  of  them  were  inside 
the  fortress.     The  Indians  were   so  completely  non- 
plussed that  they  made  no  attempt  at  resistance ;  but  a 
great  multitude,  estimated  at  five  thousand,  came  around 
the  fortress  wholly  unarmed,  and,  with  dismal  lamenta- 
tions and  bowlings,  begged  for  their  .chieftains.    The 
adelantado  inquired  into  the  causes  and  progress  of  the 
conspiracy,  and  put  to  death  the  two  caciques  who  had 
done  most  to  bring  about  the  insurrection  and  to  induce 
Guarionex  to  be  its  leader.     And  he  recognized  the 
wrongs  this  cacique  had  suffered,  as  well  as  his  slowness 


36,       CLBMBNCrOFTHBADELANTADO. 

n,,r1  «;n  mrdoned  lum.     lucked,  it 
in  taking  revenge,  and  so  P^«^°"^         Spaniard  who 

forgiymg  ^P'"'; ,  J.'  f^,,  7,ebclied,  the  punishment 
''"  uV  J^e  e  Th  s  reasonable  elemency  moved  the 
r    t  of  G.a  ioner   The  insurrection  had  been  put 

Y„  a  „^  t  ™1  out  bloodshed,  and  nearly  all  ^vere 
down  almost  i.iiuoui  „rateful  emotions  of 

restored  to  their  freedom.     In  "'^ /^^       .    „„i  the 

the  moment,  pa.t  ^'■^^^^l^^^JZ^'^Z  Spaniards 
ehieftain  made  a  speech  to  h.s  people^  ^ 

resist   them;   yet   Hov  S^n.';  ^,  ^-         ^^ust 

4.r.  +v.r^cp  who  were  faithtul!      ine  iidiivc 
were  to  those  wno  wc  i,-u:„       These   words 

benceforth  ^^^^J^t^^M  >-  snb- 

rsirhCC^:lth"songs  and  loud  rejoicings. 

^C^^ra^lttld!:^^^^^^^^ 

At  least  they  might  ^"^g/\7\'°°^    ,    ^^^^  ^^ines,  how 

r^:drpS:*erthan  industry  a„dthrift,seen. 
to  have  been  the  order  of  'l>»g=-  ^ 

their  tribute  m  readiness.    Agam  .^  ^^ 

for  that  entrancing  country,  with  as  numerou 


00. 

Indeed,  it 
uiard  who 
d  so  deeply 
le  slioweda 
after,  they 
)unishmetit 
/  moved  the 
d  been  put 
ly  all  were 
emotions  of 
:n ;    and  the 
e  Spaniards 
y  could  not 
giving  they 
latives  must 
'hese   words 
ded,  his  sub- 
d  rejoicings. 

ere  approach- 
only  diverted 
nessengers  of 
.ck  to  Spain, 
medicines, 
he  mines,  how 
le  soil !     Idle- 
nd  thrift,  seem 

from  Zaragua, 
;e  caciques  had 
elantado  starts 
erous  a  train  as 


AN  INDIAN  FEAST. 


363 


he  can  command.  No  doubt  lie  could  enlist  more  men 
for  this  tour  than  for  any  other.  A^ain  Hehechio  and 
his  sister,  Anacaona,  who  seems  to  have  about  as  much 
authority  as  her  brother,  come  out  to  meet  him,  well 
attended  by  their  subjects ;  and  the  royal  train  is  en- 
livened by  songs  and  dances.  As  heretofore,  the  Span- 
iards are  charmed  by  the  intelligence,  ("ignity,  beauty, 
and  graceful  manners  of  the  Indian  queen. 

Thirty-two  of  Behechio's  caciques  have  brought  tlieir 
tributes  of  cotton,  the  hulk  of  which  has  filled  a  house. 
Having  waited  some  time  for  him,  they  greet  him  most 
cordially,  and  offer  him,  in  addition  to  the  tribute,  all 
the  cassava-bread  he  may  wish,  which  latter  is  most 
acceptable  to  the  crowd  of  hungry  Spaniards.      Peter 
Martyr  implies  that  they  had  also  corn-l)read,  as  well  as 
Htias  and  dried  fishes,  not  to  speak  of  the  delicate  ser- 
pents—or iguanas.     He  says  that  "  unto  that  day  none 
of  them   (the  Spaniards)  durst  adventure  to  taste  of 
them,  by  reason  of  their  horrible  deformity  and  loath- 
someness.     Yet  the  lieutenant,  being  enticed  by  the 
pleasantness  of  the  king's  sister,  determined  to  taste 
of  the  serpents.     But  when  he  felt  the  flesh  thereof 
to  be  so  delicate  to  his  tongue,  he  fell  to  amain  without 
all  fear ;  the  wh'ch  thing  his  companions  perceiving, 
were  not  behind  him  in  greediness,  insomuch  that  they 
had  now  no  other  talk  than  of  the  sweetness  of  these 
serpents,  which  they  affirm  to  be  of  more  pleasant  taste 
than  either  our  pheasants  or  partridges.     They  say, 
also,  that  there  is  no  meat  to  be  compared  to  the  eggs 
of  these  serpents." 

The  adelantado  is  so  loaded  down  with  tribute  and 
presents  that  he  must  needs  send  to  Isabella  for  one  of 


ANACAChVA'S  TRHASURES. 
304 

Ws  new  caravels  to  carry  it  allhome.    We  jonder  > 
the  caravel  came  too  soon  for  the  pkasnrc  of  l.m.self 

"' Tlt^''l.a.  arrived  and  is  anchored  in  the  hu,.  or 
J^  Lvay.    Ana.,  .ona  n.nst  see  the  '^'S -- a 
t„  nersuadt .  h.  r  hrother  to  go  with  her.    On  tne  way 

L  Ws  kil  of  works,  in  which  they  show  great  art 
m  this  KuiQ  ^^^^^^^^  ,,^^  ^„j 

^"risu':^  S  cLlbba,  sitnated  in  the  mon* 
"a  bay  on  the  west  side  of  Hispan.ola  In  the.e 
of  a  bay  on  t  fantasies  as  they 

SXy  ee  »^HngV  ."g-t.  which  the  antique. 

XlemuU  also  the  images  of  men,  serpents,  bea^s, 

a  wbatsoever  tW  '^  h^  ^  -^  dediird, 

^ptrXC  'ayt°What  wonld  you  think,  most 
Feter  marry      J  '  ,  ^  ^    jf  t^^y  had  the  use  of 

"tirsueltpo    they  only  first  make  these  soft 

r  fire    and  afterwards  make  them  hollow  and 

.Wmwhh  a  certain  stone  which  they  find  on  the 

'XIrV    Of     *is  and  chairs  she  gave  the  lieutenant 

fourteen,  and  of  vessels  pertaining  to  the  table  and 


wonder  if 
of  himself 


the  havbor, 
;r  canoe  a  ad 
3n  the  way 
.Hurc,"  says 
jold,  silver, 
y  to  be  used, 
,  pots,  pans, 
f  andinstru- 
lc  au'J   hard 
irned  ^Uysi- 
)  be   ebony, 
en  to  the  in- 
most appear 
ow  great  art 
an  had  were 
in  the  mou'.h 
ia.     In  the;;e 
:asies  as  they 
.  the  antiques 
pents,  beasts, 
een."     Then, 
I  is  dedicated, 
think,  most 
had  the  use  of 
ake  these  soft 
n  hollow  and 
ley  find  on  the 
the  lieutenant 
the  table  and 


■  ;»ft(*WJ'>'-Jff^'^ 


n 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


// 


fA 


I.I 


1.0    Ifi^lSS 

L25  iU    11.6 


vV^ 


7 


Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


v 


23  WI.ST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  USM 

(716)  872-4S03 


'^1 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICIVIH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


C> 


.  .i^^^^msimms. 


kitche 
some 
trreat 
the  ad 
this  oi 

contiii 

the  ki 

be  brc 

two  c 

self  a 

sister 

desire 

ant. 

tain 

;  purpo 

with 

posin 

offal 

and  I 

spirit 

and  1: 

they  • 

there 

foresl 

hatcl 

broth 

I  the   ' 

amaz 

I  derin 

up  ai 

the  a 


THE  BIG   CANOE. 


365 


kitchen  she  gave  him  three  score,  some  of  wood  and 
some  of  earth,  also  gossampine  cotton  nearly  four 
irreat  bottoms  of  exceeding  weight."  It  is  a  wonder 
the  adelantado  did  not  set  up  housekeeping  with  all 

this  outfit ! 

"  The  day  following,  when  they  came  to  the  seaside," 
continues  our  author,  "  where  was   another  village  of 
the  king's,  the  lieutenant  commanded  the  ship-boat  to 
be  brought  to  the  shore.     The  king  also  had  prepared 
two  canoes,  painted  after  their  manner,  one  for  him- 
self and    certain    of   his   gentlemen,  another   for   his 
sister  Anacaona  and  her  waiting-women ;  but  Anacaona 
desired  to  be  carried  in  the  ship-boat  with  the  lieuten- 
ant.    When  they  now  approached  near  the  ship,  cer- 
tain   great   pieces   of    ordnance   were   discharged   on 
purpose ;  the  sea  was  filled  with  thunder  and  the  air 
with  smoke ;  they  trembled  and  quaked  for  fear,  sup- 
posing that  the  frame  of  the  world  had  been  in  danger 
of  falling ;  but  when  they  saw  the  lieutenant  laugh 
and  look  cheerfully  on  them,  they  recalled  again  their 
spirits,  and  when  they  yet  drew  nearer  to  the  ship 
and  heard  the  noise  of  the  flutes,  shawms,  and  drums, 
they  were  wonderfully  astonished  at  the  sweet  harmony 
thereof.     Entering  into  the    ship  and  beholding  the 
I  foreship   and   the  stern,  the  top-castle,  the  mast,  the 
hatches,  the  cabins,  the  keel  and  the  tacklings,  the 
I  brother  fixing  his  eyes  on  the  sister,  and  the  sister  on 
1  the  brother,  they   were   both,  as   it   were,  dumb   and 
I  amazed,  and  wist  not  what  to  say  for  too  much  won- 
dering.    While  beholding  these  things  and  wandering 

up  and  down  in  the  ship,  the  lieutenant  commanded 
[the  anchors  to  be  loosed  and  the  sails  to  be  hoisted  up. 


-fsa^fslSa**''!.^^'^"  "'^^^'^iSHf  ■■•'^•^ 


^■■SiKraE^^TtsrM""^^*™^^* 


3~JS,wm- -'.*-/Kca^»*>g v''"^---- '-  i^6«S;^ 


366      ^    WONDERMENT  TO  THE  INDIANS. 

Then  were  they  Airther  astonished  when  they  saw  so 
great  a  mole  to  move  as  it  were  by  itself,  without  oars 
and  without  the  force  of  man  ;  for  there  arose  from  the 
earth  such  a  wind   as  a  man  would  have  wished  for  on 
purpose.     Yet  furthermore,   when   they  perceived  the 
ship  to  move  sometimes  forward  and  sometimes  back- 
ward, sometimes  toward  the  right  hand  and  sometimes 
toward  the  left,  and  that  with  one  wind  and  in  manner 
at  one  instant,  they  were  at  their  wits'  end  for  too  much 
admiration.     These  things  finished,  and  the  ship  laden 
with  bread   and   such   other  rewards,  they  being  also 
recompensed  with  other  of  our  things,  he  dismissed 
not  only  the  king,  Behechio,  and  his  sister,  but  like- 
wise all  their  servants  and  women,  replenished  with 
joy  and  wondering." 

But  the  great  activity  and  good  judgment  of  the 
adelantado  were  soon  to  be  taxed  to  the  uttermost  by 
the  heinous  conduct  of  one  of  the  chief  officers  of  the 
island.     Francis  Roldan,  a  man  who  had  once  been 
especially  recommended  to  the  sovereigns  by  the  Ad- 
miral,   had  been    "raised  by  him   from  poverty  and 
obscurity."      Employed  at  first  in  the  most  ordinary 
situations,  he  discovered  so  much  shrewdness,  talent,  j 
and  tact  that,  notwithstanding  his  deficiency  in  educa-i 
tion,  he   was  made  ordinary  alcalde,  or  justice  of  the 
peace.     Having  discharged  his  duties  with  fidelity  and 
good  sense,  Columbus,  on  returning  to  Spain  from  his 
second  voyage,  made  him  chief  judge  of  the  island. 
But  he  soon  "  forgot  the  Admiral's  bread  he  had  eaten,' 
says  Herrera,  "  desiring  to  get  into  authority  by  raising 
commotions,  and  taking  for  his  pretence  Don  James 
Columbus's   having  ordered   the  caravel   which   had 


carried 
preveni 
away  ii 
men  wl 
jjcen  th 
mean  p 
saying 
and  on 
catholic 
away,  ' 
not  per 
that  ne 
brother 
design  e 
keepinj 
ing  the 
their  t 
The  UK 
authori 
deuce  t 
scarce  < 
ceiving 
they  si 
for  the 
afloat,  t 
was  ve 
niajesti' 
such  a 
I  ground 
suade 

■This  w; 
I  and  cassav 


OIANS. 

\  they  saw  so 
without  oars 
irose  from  the 
wished  for  on 
perceived  the 
netiines  back- 
iiid  sometimes 
iiid  in  manner 
d  for  too  much 
the  ship  laden 
ley  being  also 
,  he  dismissed 
ster,  but  like- 
jlenished  with 

Igment  of  the 
t  uttermost  by 

officers  of  the 
tiad  once  beeii| 
ns  by  the  Ad- 
n  poverty  and 
most  ordinary 
iwdness,  talent,! 
iency  in  educa- 

justice  of  the 
/ith  fidelity  and 
Spain  from  his| 
:  of  the  island, 
i  he  had  eaten/' 
ority  by  raising! 
ice  Don  James 
vel   which   had 


I^RANCIS  ROLDAN.  367 

carried  bread  and  wine  to  Isabella'  to  be  laid  dry,  to 
prevent  its  being  stolen  by  some  malcontents  to  go 
away  into  Spain,  began  to  mutter  among  the  laboring 
men  where  he  had  some  reputation,  because  he  had 
been  their  overseer,  as  also  with  the  seamen,  and  other 
mean  people  and  those  that  were  most  discontented, 
saying  that  the  caravel  would  be  better  in  the  water, 
and  ought  to  be  sent  into  Spain  with  letters  to  their 
catholic  majesties,  since  the  Admiral  was  so  long 
away,  that  their  wants  might  be  relieved  and  they 
not  perish  with  hunger  or  be  destroyed  by  the  Indians; 
that  neither  the  adelantado,  Don  Bartholomew,  nor  his 
brother  Don  James,  would  send  it,  because  they 
designed  to  revolt,  and  keep  the  island  to  themselves, 
keeping  them  all  as  slaves,  employing  them  in  build- 
ing their  houses  and  forts,  to  attend  them  in  gathering 
their  tributes,  and  enriching  themselves  with  gold. 
The  men  finding  themselves  encouraged  by  a  man  in 
authority,  such  as  the  chief  alcalde,  had  the  impu- 
dence to  say  those  things  in  public  which,  before,  they 
scarce  durst  mutter  in  corners.  Francis  Roldan,  per- 
ceiving that  the  men  had  declared  their  minds,  required 
they  should  all  sign  a  paper  importing  that  it  was 
for  the  public  good  that  the  caravel  should  be  set 
afloat,  thus  to  engage  them  further;  and  because  he 
was  very  sensible  it  was  not  fit  that  their  catholic 
majesties  should  know  he  had  been  the  ringleader  of 
such  a  mutiny,  he  sought  after  plausible  pretences  to 
I  ground  his  designs.  He  proceeded  farther  to  per- 
jsuade   the   people   that   the   best   way   to  secure  the 

'This  was  a  caravel  just  returned  from  Zaragua,  loaded  with  tribute  cotton 
I  and  cassava-bread. 


■W'aiWH»««»*.i»uiu**»i«it«iiS»»*(rt^^SIS^*^  AS*S«-'i';.jii#»SS*r^AiftS!«''**r««to»iia^'  i>sa<»j!9»*' 


53  HE  INSTIGATES  MUTINY. 

friendship  of  the  Indians  to  the  Spaniards  was  to  quit 
m  of  the  tribute  ;  and  advice  being  brought    ha 
Gnarionex's  Indians  did  not  pay  the  tnbnte  and  that 
thev  gave  tokens  of  uneasiness,  Don  James  Columbus, 
tWuking  to  put  Roldan  out  of  the  way  of  advane.ng 
hi    design,  sent  him  with  a  considerable  part  of  the 
n    n  to'c'onception,  where  he  better  earned  on  Ins 
mutiny    and  abused  and  disarmed  those  that  would 
Tt   fol  ow   him.      Returning  to  Isabella,  hav.ug  by 
f^rle  taken  the  key  of  the  royal  maga..ne  he  b^ke 
the  locks  in  pieces,  and  crying,  '  Long  '""•  f  ^ /^  "'^Z 
took  all  the  arms  and  provisions  he  thought  fit  for  h.s 

'"  TwHs"  Ihe  beginning  of  Roldan's  rebellion  accord- 
ingto  a  very  competent  writer,  employed  as  ofBc.al 
hiftoriographer  of  the  Indies,  and  one  who  Itved  s 
near  the  time  of  the  events  themselves  that  he  must 
h!ve  often  conversed  with  those  who  had  been  eye- 
witnesses  of  the  scenes  he  describes. 

In  the  midst  of  the  confusion  result.ng  from  th 
scene  of  breaking  open   the  royal  "^S^^^  f  J^",^ 
described,   Diego    Columbus,   accompanied    by   some 
honest  m^i,  came  forth  to  reason  with  the  mutineer. 
But  Roldan   was  so  insolent  that  he  thought  it  the 
better  part  of  discretion  to  retire  into  the  fort,  and  h 
was  in'such  great  fear  of  the  rebels  that  he  wouU  no 
allow  Roldan  to  speak  to  him  without  first  furnishing 

■■"tf  mutineers  now  left  Isabella   and   visited  the 
royal  stockj^d^^r^^ox^  and  mares^v^r^ 

"".■^il^TnT'.';;;;:;;^",  of  mrr.™'.  G«;r.1  Hi.t<.,,  of  Amck,,  pp.' 


ROLDAN  DlSAFFECrs  THE  INDIANS.     369 


s  was  to  quit 
brought  that 
ute,  and  that 
les  Columbus, 
of  advancing 
e  part  of  the 
arried  on  his 
se  that  would 
la,  having  by 
.zine,  he  broke 
've  the  King! ' 
ight  fit  for  his 

ibellion  accord- 
lyed  as  official 
:  who  lived  so 
s  that  he  must  j 
had  been  eye- 

Iting  from  the 
igazine  as  just 
nied    by   sonie| 
the  mutineers, 
thought  it  the  I 
he  fort,  and  he 
at  he  would  not  I 
first  furnishing 

and   visited  the 
nares  were  kept 

tory  of   Americ:\,  pp. 


for  breeding  in  order  to  supply  the  colony.  Here 
they  took  wha^^ever  they  wanted  of  the  cows  and  mares, 
with  their  colts,  killing  and  eating  on  the  spot  as 
many  of  the  first  as  their  appetites  craved,  and,  going 
through  the  Indian  towns,  reported  themselves  as  in 
a  quarrel  with  the  Admiral's  brothers  on  account  of 
their  exacting  the  tribute  from  the  natives.  The 
Indians  should  not  pay  tribute,  they  said.  If  they 
should  refuse  to  do  so  they  would  defend  them.  That 
this  mischievous  advice  was  not  dictated  by  humane 
feelings,  but  was  used  only  as  a  mutinous  policy,  will 
hereafter  appear  from  Roldan's  own  conduct  towards 
the  natives.  But  it  was  very  conciliating,  to  say  the 
least. 

"  Many  causes,"  says  Herrera,  "  are  said  to  have 
moved  Francis  Roldan  to  that  insolence ;  but  the 
chiefest  of  them  were  ambition  of  command  and  to 
be  subject  to  no  man  nor  to  the  rules  observed  at 
Isabella ;  and  believing  that  the  Admiral  would  not 
return  because  of  the  information  John  Aguado  had 
carried  against  him,  he  had  a  mind  to  place  himself  in 
I  authority." 

About  this  time  Don  Bartholomew  returned  to 
Isabella  from  Zaragua.  Roldan,  sustained  by  so 
[large  a  party  of  malcontents,  demanded  the  launching 
of  the  caravel,  or  at  least  that  he  might  launch  it  him- 
self. But  the  adelantado  positively  .forbade  it  on  two 
grounds— yfr^/,  because  the  ship  was  not  properly 
Irigged  for  so  long  and  perilous  a  voyage,  and,  secondly., 
because  neither  Roldan  nor  his  men  were  sufficiently 
j  skilled  mariners  to  conduct  the  voyage.  It  must  also 
lliave  been  about  this  time  that  the  foul  plot  occurred 


■c-  ,j(S'*£ia>:sr**JWi€^^^*«*iM*5a*a*'«^aw^^ 


,>W'rs*»ftb**».iM*tea*Mrti»i*Ae»s^^ 


37° 


y1  FOUL  PLOT. 


referred  to  by  Fernando  Columbus,  who  says  Roldau 
•'drew  so  „.any  over  to  his  own  party  that  one  day 
when  the  lieutenant  was  come  back  from  Zaragt.a  to 
M  llt-mc  of  then,  resolved  to  stab  h,m,  look,ng 
upon  it  as  so  easy  a  matter  that  they  had  prov.ded  a 
halter  to  hang  him  up  after  he  was  dead.  What  at 
p  '  ™t  the  nfore  incensed  then,  was  the  .mpnson.ng 
r  ,..rahona,  a  friend  to  the  -nsp-rators  concent 

inK  whom,  if  God  had  not  put  it  nno  the  heart  of  th 
Inuenant  not  to  proceed  to  execnt.on   of  ]   stce   at 
that  time,  they  had  then  certa.nly  murdered  h.m. 

'raking   seventy    n.en,  well  armed,  tins  arch  rebe, 
„1.  c'cs  hhnself  in  an  Iud,a,.  town  about  two  leagues 
^;:,  V.       Conception,  which  he  intended  to  capture 
a°d   then   he   would   "get   Don   Bartholomew  n>  h^ 
„  !ds,"   whose   valor   and   sagac.ty    vvere    espeaalb 
fornudable  to  him,  and  put  h>m  to  dea^h      A    a  fir^t 
,ten  in  this  direction,  he  approached  Captam  Uarrautes, 
2    had    charge  of  thirty  men  in  the  town  where 
lived  the  cacique  Guarionex,  whose  wife   Roldau  is 
sJd  to  have  debauched.      But  the  captain  shut  hini. 
self  "P  with  his  thirty  men,  refusing  to  talk  with  th 
lels      "Roldau   might   go  about  his  business,    he 
TaM     "  he  and  his  men  were  in  the  King's  service  _ 
R    dau,  threatening  to  burn  him  and  his  men  s..a 
their  store  of  provisions,  and  marched  to  Conception,! 

^''rtl'etartetShael  Ballester,  an  old^^a,  , 
hafred  veteran,  was  true  to  his  situation,  and  shut  the] 

'"Thr'atlai'^o  knew  not  whom  to  trust  s„,  at  the  I 
suggestion  of  Ballester,  he  got  into  Fort  Coneeptio. 


THE  ADELANTADO  IN  DANGER. 


371 


says  Roldau 
that  one  day, 
11  Zaragua  to 
him,  looking 
.d  provided  a 
id.     What  at 
imprisoning 
tors,  concern- 
heart  of  the 
of  jnstice   at 
jred  him." 
lis  arch  rebel 
It  two  leagues 
ed  to  capture, 
olomew  in  his 
ere    especially 
th.     As  a  first 
tain  Barrantes, 
le  town  where 
/ife   Roldan  is 
:ain  shut  him- 
o  talk  with  the 
3  business,"  he ! 
Gug's  service.' 
his  men,  seized 
[  to  Conception,  | 

er,  an  old  gray- 
m,  and  shut  the  I 

trust,  so,  at  the! 
Fort  Conception  1 


to  save  his  life.  From  here  he  sent  a  messenger  to 
Roldan,  bidding  him  to  consider  the  mischief  he  was 
doing  to  the  interests  of  the  colony  and  the  service  of 
the  sovereigns  in  obstructing  the  tribute  and  stirring 
up  the  natives.  This  brought  Roldan  to  an  inter- 
view with  the  adelantado  upon  the  latter  giving  him 
security.     They  conversed  through  a  window  of  the 

fort. 

"  Why  do  you  lead  about  these  people  in  such  a 
scandalous  manner,"  said  Don  Bartholomew,  "to  the 
hindrance  of  their  majesties'  service  ?  " 

''I  only  draw  them  together  to  defend  myself 
against  you,"  said  Roldan,  "  for  it  is  reported  that 
you  intend  to  kill  us  all." 

"  You  have  been  wrongly  informed,"  replied  the 
adelantado. 

"  My  company  and  I  are  in  the  King's  service,"  said 
the  rebel ;  "  say  where  you  would  have  us  serve  him." 

"  In  the  dominions  of  Diego  Columbus,"  said  Don 
Bartholomew,  referring  to  the  famous  Indian  guide  and 
interpreter,  who  had  married  into  the  family  of  Guario- 
nex,  and  thus  become  one  of  his  subordinate  chiefs. 

"  There  are  not  enough  provisions  in  that  locality," 

was  the  excuse. 

"  Lay  down  the  office  of  chief  alcalde,  and  cease  to  act 
as  such,  or  even  bear  the  name,  since  you  are  against 
the  service  of  the  King,"  the  adelantado  insisted 

Roldan  now  turned  his  back  in  the  most  haughty 
manner  possible,  and  went  away  to  Manicaotex,  the 
most  disloyal  of  the  caciques.  Calling  him  "  brother," 
he  got  away  from  him  the  three  marks  of  gold  he  was 
to  have  paid  to  the  king,  and  in  order  to  bind  him  down 


"7 


:.^itf.^te**S'**^iJ«Si^l;* 


,W»Mwawr,»»»!*«W>»<W«*«-'~**«»^««*^ 


!,.St->J»*»fc»««itatt».'!Tii!i«r»iWM<.. 


^^2  ^V/A"  INSriiGEiXTS  INCREASE. 

as  tightly  as  possible  lie  took  away  and  led  about  with 
him  the  cacique's  sou  aud  his  ucphew. 

Keepiug  the  natives  in  awe  of  him  in  every  way,  he 
'xllowed  those  who  followed  him  to  live  in  the  most  lewd 
aud  arrogant  libertinism.  Herrera  says,  "  Roldan  had 
now  goc  some  horses,  for  ever  since  John  Aguado  went 
away  he  had  provided  many  horseshoes,  which  had  not 
been  necessary  till  then,  whence  it  was  inferred  that 
Aguado's  indiscretion  and  his  ill-behavior  towards  the 
Admiral  were  the  occasion  of  this  revolt,  aud  that 
Francis  Roldan  had  intended  it  ever  since  that  time. 

Roldan's  adherents  increased  in  number,  and  he  was 
more  intent  than  ever  on  getting  Don  Bartholomew  into 
his  hands.  But  the  latter  was  warned  by  Collado, 
through  Rambla,  "  to  take  heed  whom  he  trusted." 

At  this  critical  moment  news  came  that  Coronal  had 
arrived  with  his  two  ships,  sent  ahead  with  supplies  by 
the  Admiral,  while  he  came  on  by  way  of  an  explonng 
route  with  six  ships  more. 

The  news  brought  by  these  ships  was  by  no  means 
reassuring  to  the  rebels.  Don  Bartholomew,  against 
whose  authority  they  professed  especially  to  rebel,  had 
been  confirmed  by  the  sovereigns  as  Lord  Lieutenant  of 
the  Indies,  or  adelantado,  according  to  the  appointment 
made  him  by  his  brother,  and  not  only  had  Aguado's 
official  budget  of  accusations  received  no  notice  at  the 
court,  but  all  titles  and  privileges  originally  granted  to 
the  Admiral  had  been  renewed,  not  to  speak  of  other 
special  favors  which  he  had  received. 

All  this  was  clearly  announced  by  the  adelantado,  as 
he  now  set  out  for  San  Domhigo  with  his  troops  to 
secure  the  caravels  just  arrived.     Roldan  followed  in 


;d  about  witli 

:very  way,  he 
:he  most  lewd 
"  Roldau  had 
Aguado  went 
,'hich  had  not 

inferred  that 
>r  towards  the 
;oU,  and  that 
:e  that  time.  " 
:r,  and  he  was 
tholomew  into 
d  by  Collado, 

trusted." 
Lt  Coronal  had 
th  supplies  by 
f  an  exploring 

by  no  means 
iomew,  against 
y  to  rebel,  had 
1  Lieutenant  of 
le  appointment 
had  Aguado's 

0  notice  at  the 
ally  granted  to 
speak  of  other 

;  adelantado,  as 

1  his  troops  to 
Ian  followed  in 


THE  A/JELANTADO  IS  CONFIRMED. 


373 


the  distance,  anxious  to  know  as  fully  as  possible  all 
tlie  late  news  and  the  moves  now  to  be  made.  He  was 
also  on  the  alert  to  draw  over  to  his  party  any  of  the 
disaffected  whom  he  might  meet.  Hut  he  found  the 
passes  on  the  way  strongly  guarded  and  was  obliged  to 
halt  five  leagues  away.  He  was  also  somewhat  dis- 
armed when  he  found  that  Don  Bartholomew  had  taken 
a  more  mild  and  conciliating  attitude  towards  those 
about  him,  seeing  more  clearly  now  than  ever  before 
how  greatly  the  colonists  had  suffered  from  sickness 
and  hunger,  and  how  much  had  been  done  to  throw  a 
doubt  over  his  authority.  He  therefore  promised  full 
pardon  to  all  the  disaffected  who  would  at  once  renew 
their  allegiance  to  him.  He  also  sent  Coronal,  who  was 
prepared  to  give  a  clear  account  of  the  Admiral's  good 
official  standing  in  Spain,  in  order  that  he  might  per- 
suade the  rebels  to  desist  from  their  mischievous  and 
hopeless  undertaking  against  the  authority  of  Spain. 

But  Roldan  was  not  disposed  to  treat  with  this  mes- 
senger, who  was  not  only  loyal,  honest,  and  competent, 
but  fresh  from  the  scenes  of  the  recent  official  trans- 
actions in  Spain.  At  a  narrow  pass  on  the  way  he 
placed  a  body  of  his  men  with  cross-bows  levelled,  who 
cried  out,  "  Halt,  traitor !  Had  you  come  eight  days 
later,  we  should  all  have  been  as  one  man."  In  vain 
did  Coronal  point  out  to  Roldan  the  disservice  and  mis- 
chief he  was  doing  to  the  interests  of  the  colony,  the 
imminent  danger  of  his  position,  and  the  great  advan- 
tage of  improving  this  opportunity  of  peace.  He  "  was 
sent  away  with  haughty  and  scandalous  answers."  Rol- 
I  dan  claimed  that  he  was  simply  opposed  to  the  tyranny 
and  bad  government  of  the  adelantado,  and  would  at 


■ygf         ^>Bcvtet3l'fr1*e>*rf''*^t»*ba******'****''''^"*«*»'^  ■*irt'Wt«ia»WJW    >-<-■■  J*>'^iWi<-& 


374 


/.V.S  OL E NC r  OF  rilE  li EFtEL S. 


once  submit  to  the  Admiral  when  he  shouhl  eome.  This 
was  tin-  plea  generally  adopted  by  the  party,  some  of 
whom  wrote  letters  to  that  effect  to  their  friends  at  vSan 
Domingo,  entreating  their  good  offices  for  them  when 
Columbus  should  arrive  from  Spain. 

When  Coronal  reported  to  the  adelantado  the  results 
of  his  interview,  that  oflficer  proclaimed  RoUlan  and  his 
followers  traitors.     Hereupon  the  rebels  left  those  parts 
and  went  to  Zaragua,  the  most  delightful  and  fertile 
part  of  the  island.     Roldan  unfolded   his  scheme  fully 
to  his  men.     They  would  not  endure  the  strict  discipline 
of  the  adelantado,  he  said,  for  he  "  made  them  keep  the 
three  vows  of  religious  men;  and  besides  that,  they 
wanted  not  for  fasts  and  disciplines,  as  also  imprison- 
ments and  other  punishments,  which  they  endured  for 
the  least  fault.'"     He  was  able  to  govern  them  in  a 
different  manner,  and  would  take  them  into  a  country 
which  was  like  Paradise.     There,  supported  by  the  most 
intelligent,  polite,  and  agreeable  of  the  natives,  they 
would  bask  in  a  perpetual  sunshine  of  delight— eat, 
drink,  and  be  merry.     Above  all,  they  could  there  ap- 
propriate as  many  of  the  most  beautiful  Indian  women 
as  they  might  wish.     All  this  was  much  better  than 
heaven  itself  to  these  miserable  libertines,  so  recently 
escaped  from  the  prisons  and  dungeons  of  Spain.     So 
on  they  went,  stirring  up  all   the  mischief  they  could 
among  the  Indians  on  the  way,  and  in  every  way  possi- 
ble abusing  the  hospitalities  of  these  simple  and  kind- 
hearted  children  of  nature. 

The  ships  of  Coronal  had  brought  quite  a  reinforce- 

>  Life  of  Columbus,  bj  his  son,  cap.  74. 


^':!,w^WiiA--:ii*l=v»*Wi''Ois— !«'i*s*e<»»^k'*'** 


L'oine.  This 
rty,  some  of 
icnds  at  San 
thfin   when 

3  the  results 
Ulan  and  his 
t  those  parts 
I  and   fertile 
ichenie  fully 
ict  discipline 
leni  keep  the 
IS  that,  they 
so  iniprison- 
r  endured  for 
1  them  in  a 
to  a  country 
1  by  the  most 
natives,  they 
delight — eat, 
lid  there  ap- 
ndian  women 
I  better  than 
3,  so  recently 
f  Spain.     So 
sf  they  could 
iry  way  possi- 
ble and  kind- 
le a  reinforce- 


UrJUSlXG  OF  THE  NATIVES. 


375 


incnt  to  the  industries  of  the  colony.  Over  ninety 
men  came  in  all,  fourteen  of  whom  were  to  till  the 
soil,  and  the  remainder  were  to  work  the  mines  and 
cut  Brazil-wood. 

But  peace  and  quiet  were  not  to  be  secured,  not  even 
by  the  most   conciliating  measures.      So  great   had 
been  the  influence  of  the  rebels  and  their  false  repre- 
sentations among  the  natives,  that  they  had  secretly 
planned  a  wide-spread  rebellion,  of  which  the  peaceful 
Guarionex  had  consented  to  be  the  commander-in-chief. 
As   they   could    count   only   on   their  fingers,  it  was 
difi^cult  for  them  to  fix  a  day  for  their  rendezvous. 
They  agreed  to  rise  on    the   night   of  the   next   full 
moon    and  slay   all   the   small    parties   of  Spaniards 
quartered  here  and  there  among   the    natives,  Gua- 
rionex attacking   Fort   Conception.     But  one  of  his 
chiefs,  not  being  a  very  good  astronomer,  moved  before 
the  time  and  advertised  the  whole  affair,  thus  putting 
the  Spaniards  on  their  guard.     He  fled  to  Guarionex 
for  refuge,  but  was  indignantly  put  to  death. 

This  leader  now  knew  full  well  that  there  was  no 
hope  for  him  in  the  fortunes  of  war,  so  he  fled  across 
the  mountains  to  Maiobanex,  chief  of  the  Ciguayans, 
with  his  wife,  children,  and  a  few  followers,  and  im- 
plored his  protection.  This  was  the  tribe  of  lardy 
mountaineers  which  the  Admiral  and  his  men  had 
encountered  at  the  Gulf  of  Samauaon  the  first  voyage. 
It  will  be  remembered  that  they  had  caused  the  first 
bloodshed  by  the  Spaniards  among  the  Indians. 

Maiobanex  received  his  brother  chief  with  a  generous 
cordiality  and  faithfulness  which  would  have  done 
credit  to  the  most  civilized  prince,  not  only  receiving 


376 


DEPREDA  TIONS. 


him  as  his  guest,  but  promisiug  to  stand  by  him  even 
at  the  cost  of  life  and  fortune. 

From  these    mountain   heights    and    aided   by   the 
Ciguayans,   Guarionex   made  many  predatory  excur- 
sions into  the  valleys,  killing  many  of  the   Spaniards 
who  were  quartered  among  the  friendly  Indians,  and 
destroying  the  crops.     Don  Bartholomew  could  see  no 
escape  from  the  necessity  of  war  with  these  combined 
natives,    and    so    entered    upon    a   campaign    in    the 
spring.      This   war   is    so   graphically   described   by 
Peter  Martyr  in  his  Decades  of  the  Ocean  that  we  can- 
not refrain  from  quoting  him,  essentially    as    trans- 
lated by  Eden  in  the  quaint  old  English  rhetoric  of 
the  sixteenth  century.     He  says  :   "  The  Admiral  sent 
his  brother,  the  lieutenant,  with  an  army  of  four  score 
and    ten    footmen    and  a  few    horsemen,    with    three 
thousand    of    the    island    men    which    were    mortal 
enemies    to   the   Ciguayans,    to    meet   the    people   of 
Ciguana  with  King  Guarionex,  their  grand  captain, 
who  had  done  much  mischief  to  our  men  and  such  as 
favored  them.      Therefore,  when  the  lieutenant  had 
conducted  his  army   to  the  banks  of  a  certain  great 
river  running  by  the  plain, ^  which  we  said  before  to 
lie  between  the  corners  of  the  mountains  of  Ciguana 
and  the  sea,  he  found  two  scouts  of  his  enemies  lurk- 
ing in  certain  bushes,  whereof  the  one,  casting  him- 
self headlong  into  the  sea,  escaped,  and  by  the  mouth 
of  the  river  swam  over  to  his  companions  ;  the  other, 
being  taken,  declared  that  in  the  wood  on  the  other 
side   of    the   river  there   lay   in   camp  six  thousand 

iThis  plain  was  on  the  north  side  of  the  island,  between  two  mountain 
spurs. 


INDIAN  WARFARE. 


377 


y  him 


even 


ded  by  the 
itory  excur- 
e  Spaniards 
[ndians,  and 
could  see  no 
:se  combined 
lign  in  the 
[escribed  by 
that  we  can- 
[y  as  trans- 
h  rhetoric  of 
\dmiral  sent 
of  four  score 

with  three 
were  mortal 
le  people  of 
and  captain, 

and  such  as 
;utenant  had 
certain  great 
said  before  to 
3  of  Ciguana 
memies  lurk- 
casting  hini- 
by  the  mouth 
IS ;  the  other, 

on  the  other 
six  thousand 

iveen  two  mountain 


Ciguayans,  ready,  unawares,  to  assail  our  men  passing 
by.     Wherefore,  the  lieutenant  finding  a  shallow  place 
where  he  might  pass   over,  he  with   his   whole  army 
entered    into  the    river,  the    which    thing   when    the 
Ciguayans  had  espied,  they  came  running  out  of  the 
woods  with  a  terrible    cry   and  most  horrible   aspect, 
much    like    unto    the    people    called    Agathyrsi,    of 
whom    the    poet    Virgil    speaketh,   for  they  were  all 
painted     and      spotted     with      sundry      colors,     and 
especially  with  black   and   red,  which   they   make  of 
certain  fruits  nourished  for  the  same  purpose  in  their 
gardens,  with  the  juice  whereof  they  paint  themselves 
from   the   forehead    even   to    the  knees,  having  their 
hair— which    by    ar.t    they    make   long   and   black,  if 
nature  deny    it   them— wreathed    and    rolled    after    a 
thousand  fashions,   a  man    would   think    them  to  be 
devils  incarnate  newly  broke  out  of  hell,  they  are  so 
like  unto  hell-hounds.      As  our  men  waded  over  the 
river,  they  shot  at  them,  and  hurled  darts   so   thick 
that  it  almost  took  the  light  of  the  sun  from  our  men  ; 
insomuch  that  if  they  had  not   borne   off  the   force 
thereof  with  their  targets  the  matter  had  gone  wrong 
with  them.     Yet  at  the  length,  many  being  wounded, 
they    passed    over   the   river;    which  thing  when  the 
enemies    saw,    they    fled,    whom   our   men,  pursuing, 
slew  some  in  the  chase,  but   not   many,  by  reason  of 
their   swiftness   of  foot.      Thus  being  in  the  woods, 
they   shot   at   our   men    more   safely,  for  they  being 
accustomed   to   the   woods,  and   naked,    without   any 
hindrance  passed  through  the  bushes  and  shrubs,  as 
it  had  been  wild  boars  or  harts,  whereas  our  men  were 
hindered  by   reason   of  their   apparel,    targets,  long 
javelins,  and  ignorance  of  the  place. 


w-jm-:-^^'  -i^^-^^ 


378 


INDIAA    WARFARE. 


"  Wherefore  when  he  had  rested  them  all  that  night 
in  vain  and  the  day  following  he  saw  no  stirring  in 
the  woods,  he  went,  by  the  connsel  and  conduct  of  the 
other  island  men  which  were  in  his  army,  immediately 
from   thence   to   the   mountains,  in  the  which  King 
Maiobanex  had  his  chief  mansion  place,  in  the  village 
called  Capronum  ;  by  the  which  name  also  the  king's 
place  was  called,  being  in  the  same   village.      Thus 
marching  forward  with  his  army,  about  twelve  miles 
off,  he  encamped  in  the  village  of  another  king,  which 
the   inhabitants   had   forsaken  for  fear  of  our  men; 
yet  making  diligent  search,  they  found  two,  by  whom 
they  had  knowledge  that  there  were  ten  kings  with 
Maiobanex  in  his  palace  of  Capronum,  with  an  army 
of  eight  thousand  Ciguayans. 

'«  At  the  lieutenant's  first  approach  he  durst  not  give 
them  battle  until  he  had  somewhat  better  searched  the 
regions,  yet   did  he  in   the   meantime  skirmish  with 
them  twice.     The  next  night,  about  midnight,  he  sent 
forth  scouts,  and  with  them  guides  of  the  island,  men 
who  knew  the  country,    whom    the  Ciguayans   espy- 
ing from  the   mountains   prepared  themselves  to  the 
battle,  with  a  terrible  cry  of  alarm  after  their  manner, 
but  yet- durst  not  come  out  of  the  woods,  supposing  that 
the  lieutenant,  with  his  main  army,  had  been  even  at 
hand.     The  day  following,  when  he  brought  his  army 
to  the  place  where  they  encamped,  leaping  out  of  the 
woods,  they  twice  attempted  the  fortunes  of  war,  fiercely 
assailing  our  men  wiih  a  main  force,  and  wounding 
many  before  they  could  cover  them  with  their  targets. 
Yet  our  men  put  them  to  flight,  slew  many,  took  many; 
the  residue  fled  to  the  woods,  where  they  kept  them  still 


(« ( 


1  tliat  night 
)  stirring  in 
iduct  of  the 
mmediately 
vhich  King 
I  the  village 

0  the  king's 
age.  Thus 
twelve  miles 
king,  which 
if  our  men ; 
\fO,  bj^  whom 

1  kings  with 
rith  an  army 

urst  not  give 
searched  the 
iirmish  with 
light,  he  sent 
;  island,  men 
layans   espy- 
selves  to  the 
their  manner, 
apposing  that 
been  even  at 
ght  his  army 
ng  out  of  the 
f  war,  fiercely 
,nd  wounding 
their  targets, 
y,  took  many ; 
cept  them  still 


EXPOSTULATIONS  AND  THREATS.        379 

as  in  their  most  safe-hold.     Of  them  which  were  taken 
he  sent  one,  and  with  him  another,  of  the  island  men 
which  was  of  his  party  to  Maiobanex  with  command- 
ments to  this  effect :  '  The  lieutenant  brought  not  hithrr 
his  army,  O  Maiobanex,  to  keep  war  either  against  you 
or  your  people,  for  he  greatly  desireth  your  frienship; 
but  his  intent  is  that  Guarionex,  who  hath  persuaded 
you  to  be  his  aid  against  him,  to  the  great  destruction 
of  your  people  and  undoing  of  your  country,  may  have 
due  correction,  as  well  for  his  disobedience  toward  him 
as  also  for  raising  tumults  among  the  people.     Where- 
upon he  requireth  you  aud  exhorteth  you  to  deliver 
Guarionex  into  their  hands,  the  which  thing  if  you  shall 
perform  the  Admiral,  his  brother,  will  not  only  gladly 
admit  you  to  his  friendship,  but  also  enlarge  and  defend 
your  dominions. 

"  '  And  if  herein  you  refuse  to  accomplish  his  request, 
it  will  follow  that  you  shall  shortly  repeut  you  thereof, 
for  your  kingdom  shall  be  wasted  with  sword  and  fire 
and  shall  abide  the  fortune  of  war,  whereof  you  have 
had  experience  with  favor,  as  you  shall  further  know 
hereafter  to  your  pain,  if  with  stubbornness  you  provoke 
him  to  show  the  uttermost  of  his  power.' 

"When  the  messenger  had  thus  done  his  errand, 
Maiobanex  answered  that  Guarionex  was  a  good  man, 
endued  with  many  virtues,  as  all  men  knew,  and  there- 
fore he  thought  him  worthy  his  aid,  especially  inas- 
much as  he  had  fled  to  him  for  succor,  and  that  he  had 
made  him  such  a  promise,  whom  also  he  had  proved  to 
be  his  faithful  friend. 

"  Again,  that  they  were  naughty  men,  violent  and 
cruel,  desiring  other  men's  goods,  and  such  as  spared 


38o 


ENTREATIES  AND  ARGUMENTS. 


not  to  shed  innocent  blood.  In  fine,  that  he  would  have 
nothing  to  do  with  such  mischievous  men,  nor  yet  enter 
into  friendship  with  them. 

"  When  these  things  came  to  the  lieutenant  s  ear  he 
commanded  the  village  to  be  burnt  where  he  himself 
encamped,  with  many  other  villages  thereabout;    and 
when  he  drew  near  to  the  place  where  Maiobanex  lay 
he  sent  messengers  to  him  again,  to  commune  the  mat- 
ter with  him,  and  to  will  him  to  send  some  one  of  his 
most   f^iithful   friends  to  entreat   with   him   of    peace 
Whereupon  the  king  sent  unto  him  one  of  his  chiet 
gentlemen,  and  with  him  two  others  to  wait  on  hnn. 
When  he  came  to  the  lieutenant's  presence  he  kindly 
required  him  to  persuade  his  lord  and  master   in   his 
name,  and  earnestly  to  admonish  him,  not  to  suffer  his 
flourishing  kingdom   to  be  spoiled  or  himself  to  abide 
the  hazard  of  war  for  Guarionex'  sake,  and   further  to 
exhort  him  to  deliver  him,  except  he  would  procure  the 
destruction  alike  of  himself,  his  people,  and  his  coun- 

"^^^  When  the  messenger  was  returned  Maiobanex  as- 
sembled the  people,  declaring  unto  them  what  was 
done  but  they  cried  out  on  him  to  deliver  Guarionex, 
and  began  to  curse  the  day  that  ever  they  had  received 
him  thus  to  disturb  their  quietness.  Maiobanex 
answered  them  that  Guarionex  was  a  good  man  and 
had  well  deserved  of  him,  giving  him  many  princely 
presents,  and  had  also  taught  both  his  wife  and  him  to 
sing  and  dance,,  which  thing  he  did  not  little  esteem, 
and  was  therefore  fully  resolved  in  no  case  to  forsake 

"i  Herrera  notices  that  it  ^^•as  the^peculiar  dance  of  the  Vega  which  this 
chief  esteemed  so  highly. 


\TS. 

e  would  have 
nor  yet  enter 

naiit's  ear  he 
e  he  himself 
reaboiit ;    and 
aiobanex  lay 
lune  the  niat- 
le  one  of  his 
im   of    peace. 
;  of  his  chief 
wait  on  him.    1 
ice  he  kindly 
Liaster   in   his 
)t  to  suffer  his 
nself  to  abide 
md   further  to 
Id  procure  the 
and  his  coun- 

Maiobanex  as- 
em  what  was 
er  Guarionex, 
y  had  received 
Maiobanex 
good  man  and 
many  princely 
rife  and  him  to 
;  little  esteem, 
:ase  to  forsake 

he  Vega  which  this 


RETALIATION. 


381 


him  or,  against  all  humanity,  to  betray  his  friend,  which 
fled  to  him  for  succor,  but  rather  to  abide  all  extremities 
with  him  than  to  minister  occasion  of  obloquies  to  slan- 
derers, to  report  that  he  had  betrayed  his  guest,  whom 
he  took  into  his  house  with  warranties. 

"  Thus  dismissing  the  people,  sighing  and  with  sor- 
rowful hearts,  he  called  Guarionex  before  him,  promis- 
ing him  again  that  he  would  be  partaker  of  his  fortune 
while  life  lasted.'" 

Maiobanex  was  so  resolute  in  his  determination  to 
protect  his  friend  that  he  forbade  any  further  communi- 
cation with  Don  Bartholomew.     To  this  end  he  stationed 
guards  along  the  various  passes,  with  orders  to  kill  any 
who  might  be  sent  to  treat  of  peace.     Meanwhile  the 
adelantado  sent  two  messengers,  the  one  a  prisoner  from 
the  Ciguayans  and  the  other  a  friendly  island  man ; 
but  they  were  both  slain  on  the  way.     When  Don  Bar- 
tholomew, who  followed  closely  with  ten  footmen  and 
four  horsemen,  found  his  messengers  lying  dead  in  the 
path,  the  arrows  still  sticking  in  their  bodies,  his  rage 
was  thoroughly  aroused,  and  he  resolved  to  subdue  this 

tribe  utterly. 

As  he  approached  the  encampment  of  Maiobanex 
the  chiefs  and  men  about  this  true-hearted  man  all  for- 
sook him  and  fled.  They  could  not  face  the  spears, 
swords,  cross-bows,  and  war-horses  of  the  Spaniards. 
Maiobanex,  with  his  family  and  a  few  faithful  friends, 
now  took  refuge  in  the  mountains.  Several  of  the  Ci- 
guayans hunted  for  Guarionex,  intending  to  deliver  him 
up  as  the  cause  of  their  ruin,  but  he  too  had  fled  to  the 

'  Herrera  says  the  chiefs  both  wept,  Maiobanex  comforting  his  friend  and 
promising  to  protect  him  even  at  the  loss  of  his  kingdom. 


„>--t.^  - 


7j/*«is'eti»' ■»#  -oi^  - 


382 


HARDSHIPS  OF  THE  SOLDIERS. 


deus    and   caves   of    the   highest   rocky   peaks,   there 
wandering  alone  in  his  grief  and  peril.  . 

Three   months   of    hardship   and    privation   m    the 
mountains  had  worn  ont  the  Spaniards.     The  natives 
had  fled.     Their  villages  were  desolate.     Why  should 
the  white  men  endure  their  fatigue  and  hunger  any 
longer  ^     Cassava-bread,  roots,  herbs,  and  the  few  little 
utias   caught  by  their  hounds,  with  water  only,  '  some- 
times sweet   and  sometimes   muddy,   savoring  of    the 
marshes  "—this  was  poor  fare  for  these  elegant  soldiers, 
accustomed  to  the  luxuries  of  Spain.     Sleeping  m  the 
open  air,  under  trees,  exposed  to  the  damp,  chilly  air  of 
the  mountains,  was  not  to  be  kept  up  longer  than  was 
necessary.     Besides,  what  would  become  of  tl^eir  farms 
in  the  Vega>      Don    Bartholomew  dismissed   all   but 
thirtv      With  these  he  would  search  "  from  town  to 
town  and  from  hill  to  hill"  till  he  should  find  the  two 

caciques.  ., . 

This  was  no  easy  task  in  such  a  vast  wilderness, 
now  so  utterly  abandoned  that  there  was  neither  sight 
nor  sound  of  the  natives.     If  one  of  these  occasionally 
strayed  among  the  desolate  habitations,  he  protested 
utter  ignorance  of  the  whereabouts  of  the  chiefs.     One 
day,  however,  several  Spaniards   who    were   hunting 
uiias  came  across  "  two  familiars  "  of  Maiobanex,  who 
were  stea  hig  forth  to  procure  some  cassava-bread  for 
their   chief.      They  were   at   once   examined   by   the 
adelantado  as  to  the  hiding-place  of  the  caciqiie,      and 
though  they  wonderfully  kept  the  secret  they  were 
entrusted  with  by  their  lord,  after  having  been  much 
racked,  they  confessed  where  he  was." 

These  poor  men,  fresh   from   the   rack,  were   com- 


«S,3BM&f(^»a>4»«S»««»»****^" 


'.RS. 

peaks,   there 

ation   in    the 

The  natives 

Why  should 

hunger  any 

the  few  little 

only,  "  some- 

'oring  of    the 

sgant  soldiers, 

^eping  in  the 

p,  chilly  air  of 

igcr  than  was 

of  their  farms 

lissed   all  but 

from  town  to 

1  find  the  two 

ist  wilderness, 
3  neither  sight 
je  occasionally 
s,  he  protested 
le  chiefs.     One 

were  hunting 
[aiobanex,  who 
ssava-bread  for 
mined   by   the 

cacique,  *'  and 
cret  they  were 
ing  been  much 

ick,  were   com- 


D  0MB  S  TIC  A  FFE  C  TION. 


383 


pelled  to  act  as  guides.  Twelve  of  the  vSpaniards 
stripped  themselves,  and  having  tattooed  their  naked 
bodies,  after  the  manner  of  the  natives,  with  a  black 
and  red  paint  made  from  certain  fruits,  and  wrapped 
their  swords  in  palm  leaves,  accompanied  them  to 
the  hiding-place  of  the  cacique  and  his  household. 
They  drew  their  swords  and  took  them  prisoners,  the 
adelantado  returning  with  them  to  Fort  Conception. 

In  the  cacique's  household  was  a  sister  of  his,  wife 
of  another  cacique,  who  had  not  yet  encountered  the 
Spaniards.     She  was  a  model  of  female  beauty  and 
attractiveness,   having  left  her  home  to  comfort  her 
brother  in  his  wanderings.     At  once  came  her  husband 
begging  for  her  release  with  tears  and  pledging  his 
fidelity  as  an  ally.     The  wife  was  given  up,  along  with 
several     other    subjects    who   had    been    taken,    and 
Herrera   says   the   Indian   was   so  thankful    that   he 
brought  four  or  five  thousand  Indians  with  coas,  which 
are  staves  hardened  in  the  fire,  used  by  them  instead  of 
spades,  for  him  to  appoint  where  he  should  grow  corn  for 
him.     The  place  was  accordingly  appointed,  and  they 
made  such  a  plantation  as  would  be  then  worth  3,000 
ducats.     All  the  Ciguayans  conceived  that  since  Don 
Bartholomew  had  set  that  lady  at  liberty,  she  being 
very  famous  in  the  country,  they  might  obtain  the  same 
for 'their  king.     Many  of  them  went  with  presents  of 
«//a5and  fish,  which  was  what  their  country  afforded,  to 
beg  him,  promising  that  he  should  ever  after  continue 
iu  obedience.     He  set  the  queen,  the  children,  and  the 
servants   at  liberty,  but   would  not  release  the  king. 
Cxuarionex,  being  distressed  with   want   in   the   place 
where  he  lay  hid,  went  out  to  seek  something  to  eat, 


i,l^i^-i^^«»N}H  iT**^;*^"'**' 


384 


FAITHFUL  FRIENDS. 


and  being  seen  by  the  Ciguayans,  they  going  to  visit 
Maiobancx,  acquainted  Don  Bartliolomew,  who  imme- 
diately sent  some  men  and  they  conducted  him  to  Fort 
Conception. 

Sir  Arthur  Helps  thinks,  "  the  two  caciques  probably 
shared  the  same  prison,''  and  adds,  "  thus  concludes  a 
story  which,  if  it  had  been  written  by  some  Indian 
Plutarch  and  the  names  had  been  more  easy  to  pro- 
nounce, might  have  taken  its  just  place  amongst  the 
familiar  and  household  stories  which  we  tell  our  chil- 
dren, to  make  them  see  the  beauty  of  great  actions." 


"-vi,.,,,^,ari««^*l»®i^5i3Swi^iW^ 


,^^t^i^^!f^^-^ii<^^si)ts»f^aiimmem^i^^ 


going  to  visit 
,',  who  iinme- 
d  him  to  Fort 


jues  probably 

s  concludes  a 

some  Indian 

easy  to  pro- 

amongst  the 

:  tell  our  chil- 

at  actions." 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

COLUMBUS    AND   ROLDAN'S   REBELLION. 

OLUMBUS  reached  Hispaniola  on  his  third 
voyage    to  find   his  organization  of  .system 
_^     among  the  natives  nearly  broken  up,  the  plan 
of  taxation  demoralized,  and  his  chief  justice,  Roldan, 
in  rebellion.     However  much  an  overtaxation  may  have 
done  to  bring  about  the  former  result,  its  immediate  oc- 
casion, at  least,  was  the  insinuating  influence  of  the 
arch  rebel.     The  natives  were  encouraged  to  throw  off 
all  restraint,  and  every  industry  was  at  a  stand- still. 
The  Golden  Tower  rose  almost  solitary  on  the  banks  of 
the  Ozema ;  the  mountains  of  Cibao  were  virtually  for- 
saken, the  fertile  Vega  Real  and  other  plains  scarcely 
less  fruitful  and  inviting  were  almost  unbroken  by  the 
husbandman  ;  the  missionary  work  had  a  mere  nominal 
existence  among  a  people  who  had  learned  to  despise 
the  cross  on  account  of  the  atrocities  committed  by  those 
who  bore  it,  for  it  had  come  to  be  the  symbol  of  the 
most  shocking  cruelties  and  excesses  rather  than  the 
emblem   of  the  tender  mercies  of  Jesus  of  Nazareth. 
Whereas  a  Christian  civilization  might  have  been  an  in- 
calculable means  of  elevation  to  the  kind  and  simple- 
hearted  natives,  their  numbers  had  been  thinned  by 
oppressions  and  devastating  wars,  and  the  last  scintilla 
of  their  hopes    had    been    darkened.      Demoralized, 
terrified,  scattered,  and  starving,  they  looked  upon  those 


.t 


JWJ»i'»li**a»-#?*'«**'**»* 


386 


COADIICT  OF  TIIF.   REIiliLS. 


whom  they  had   recently  hailed  as  from  heaven  to  be 
more  like  demons  escaped  from  the  infernal  pit. 

Scarcely  less  deplorable  was  the  condition  of  the 
white  man.  Idleness  and  vice  had  indnced  want  and 
disease.  The  ill-nsa^'e  of  llie  natives,  who  had  been 
serviceable  in  .so  many  ways,  had  driven  them  away  in 
indiK'nalion  and  dismay.  Rebellion  had  embittered  the 
souls  of  many.  The  remainder  were  sad  and  dis- 
heartened by  the  gloomy  outlook. 

In  the  midst  of  all  this  disappointment  and  pressing 
poverty  of  the  island,  the  firsl  undertaking  for  the  Ad- 
miral, weary  and  sick  from  the  long  and  exciting  voy- 
age, was  the  conciliation  of  Roldan's  unreasonable  re- 
bellion.    In  addition  to  the  disheartening  tale  of  their 
doings  which  his  brothers  and  allies  had  to  report,  the 
three  ships  which  he  had  sent  in  advance  when  at  the 
Cape  Verde  Islands,and  whicli  reached  San  Domingo  some 
time  after  his  arrival,  brought  additional  accounts  which 
were  of  a  most  trying  nature.     These  ships,  guided  by 
men  new  to  the  route,  had  been  carried  past  their  prop- 
per  landing-place  by  the  strong  currents,  and  so  came, 
unfortunately,  to  that  part  of  the  island  infested  by  the 
rebels.     They,  taking  the  shrewdest  possible  advantage 
of  this  occurrence,  went  on  board  the  ships  in  the  most 
cordial  manner,  and  gave  as  their  reason  for  being  in 
that    part  of  the  island    the   procuring    of   provisions 
and  the  preserving  of  good  order  among  the  natives. 
On  the  strength  of  this  plea,  they  got  possession  of  a 
large  proportion  of  the  supplies  brought  by  the  ships, 
and  had  an  opportunity  for  disaffecting,  on  the  sly,  many 
of  these  miserable  characters,  who,  if  they  had  had  their 
just  deserts,  would  have  been  inside  of  prison  walls  or 


■.-.rf»iJW^i6WWS!BiWM6>MtM!iW-J.i»1 


.iuoawsiiaCTiafiif^iaiww**^  *•»'•*'■ 


IS. 

heaven  to  be 
al  pit. 

ditioii  of  the 
ictd  want  and 
who  had  been 
them  away  in 
embittered  the 
sad   and  dis- 

t  and  pressing 
ng  for  the  Ad- 
exciting  voy- 
tireasonable  re- 
ig  tale  of  their 
to  report,  the 
ce  when  at  the 
Domingo  some 
acconnts  which 
lips,  guided  by 
past  their  prop- 
s,  and  so  came, 
infested  by  the 
sible  advantage 
lips  in  the  most 
m  for  being  in 
of  provisions 
ug  the  natives, 
possession  of  a 
it  by  the  ships, 
)n  the  sly,  many 
y  had  had  their 
prison  walls  or 


THEIR  SEDUCTIVE  METHODS. 


3«7 


hanging  on  gibbets.  Herrera  says  :  "  Roldan,  incttlcat- 
ing  to  them  that  they  were  going  to  lead  a  very  painful 
life,  for  that  they  should  be  obliged  to  labor  and  dig, 
with  much  hunger  and  want,  easily  persuaded  them  to 
stay  with  him,  telling  them,  at  the  same  time,  how  they 
should  live  witli  him,  which  was  going  about  from  one 
town  to  another,  taking  the  gold  and  what  else  they 
thought  fit."  Peter  Martyr,  speaking  more  plainly 
still,  says  Roldan  "  seduced  "  these  men,  "  promising 
them  in  the  stead  of  mattocks,  wenches'  paps;  for 
labor,  pleasure  ;  for  hunger,  abundance  ;  and  for  weari- 
ness and  watching,  sleep  and  quietness."  Satan  himself 
could  scarcely  have  made  a  more  seductive  appeal  to 
these  subjects  of  a  state-prison. 

Both  wind  and  currents  were  against  the  return  of  these 
ships  to  their  port,  so  that  it  would  take  two  or  three 
months  to  sail  to  San  Domingo.  So  the  three  captains 
resolved  to  expedite  affairs  by  a  special  adjustment.  As 
the  laborers  on  board  were  under  pay  from  the  time 
they  left  Spain,  John  Antonio  Columbus  would  take 
some  forty  of  them  to  the  Admiral  by  land  ;  Arana 
would  take  charge  of  the  ships  in  such  moves  as  it  was 
necessary  for  them  to  make  till  the  weather  was  favor- 
able to  their  leaving  for  San  Domingo;  and  as  the 
rebellious  attitude  of  Roldan  had  been  discovered,  Car- 
vajal  would  spend  his  time  in  trying  to  bring  him  to  a 
reconciliation  with  the  Admiral.  But  when,  on  the 
second  day  after  their  arrival,  John  Antonio  Columbus 
had  gotten  his  forty  men  on  the  land,  all  but  eight  went 
immediately  over  to  Roldan.  He  earnestly  appealed  to 
this  rebel  leader  to  dissuade  them  from  such  a  proced- 
ure, especially  as  they  were  under  pay  for  the  royal 


i 


3S8 


SA/L/NG  AC,  A  INST  THK   W/ND. 


scrvicx'.  Whatever  nii>jlit  he  his  variance  with  the 
adcUintaclo,  he  owed  loyalty  to  the  Kiti)^.  liut  Roldan 
was  very  soft-hearted  about  the  matter.  His  was  a 
religious  order  of  the  utmost  freedom,  he  said,  and  he 
could  not  consistently  use  any  force  to  keep  those  away 
who  n^ight  wish  to  go  with  him. 

It  soon  became  obvious  that  the  only  safe  way  was  for 
the  ships  to  put  out  for  San  Domingo  at  once,  in  the  teeth 
of  wind  and  storm,  lest  defection  should  spread*  still 
further  among  the  crews.  Carvajal,  however,  remained 
still  longer,  endeavoring  to  persuade  the  rebels  to  return 
to  allegiance. 

Though  the  distance  was  short,  the  ships,  contending 
with  wind  and  current,  reached  San  Domingo  with 
delay  and  difficulty.  That  one  which  Carvajal  had 
brought  over  struck  on  a  sand-bank,  lost  her  rudder, 
and  sprang  a  leak.  The  length  of  time  since  the  de- 
parture from  Spain  had  consumed  a  great  part  of  the 
provisions,  and  much  of  the  lest  was  seriously  damaged. 
Carvajal  soon  arrived  by  1und  to  report  failure  in  his 
efforts  to  bring  the  rebels  to  terms  of  reconciliation,  but 
Roldan  had  promised  to  state  his  grievances  to  the  Ad- 
miral and  to  be  ready  for  some  peaceful  adjustment  as 
soon  as  he  might  learn  of  his  arrival.  Carvajal  and 
others  thought  that  a  general  pardon  for  past  ofTences 
would  secure  allegiance. 

The  outlook  was  exceedingly  perplexing.  The  ap- 
proach of  Roldan,  though  ostensibly  for  peace,  might 
seduce  many  of  the  discontented,  and  the  persistent 
effort  on  the  part  of  the  rebels  to  make  the  people 
believe  that  Columbus  and  his  brothers  intended  to  de- 
tain   the   colonists  against   their   wishes,  in   order  to 


CO  vvitli   the 

Hilt   Rolclan 

His  was   a 

said,  aiul  he 

p  those  away 

e  way  was  for 
',  in  the  teeth 
spread*  still 
:cr,  remained 
>cls  to  return 

5,  contending 
Jill  in  go  with 
^^arvajal  had 
;  her  rudder, 
iince  the  de- 
t  part  of  the 
sly  damaged, 
"ailure  in  his 
iciliation,  but 
es  to  the  Ad- 
Jjustment  as 
Carvajal  and 
past  offences 

ig.  The  ap- 
peace,  might 
le  persistent 
e  the  people 
itended  to  de- 
in   order  to 


MIGUEL   HAl.I.ESTIili. 


3H9 


accomplish  their  own  f^elfish  purpos.  s,  would  have  its 
effect.  Evidently  it  would  U-  l^-st  for  all  the  homesick 
and  disaffected  to  be  SCI  I  f  back  lo  8pain  at  once.  .\s 
there  were  five  vessels  nearly  ready  to  sail,  ihe  Admiral 
announced  free  passage,  provisions,  and  pn,y  for  all  who 
might  wish  to  return. 

He  warned  Hallester  at  Fort  Conception  to  bp  on  his 
jfuard  for  the  attacks  of  Roldan,  to  seek  an  interview  with 
him,  offering  him  full  i)ardon  for  the  past  if  he  would  at 
once  return  to  loyalty.  This  new  })rocess  entirely  did 
away  with  the  act  of  the  adelaiitado  declaring  him  and 
his  men  rebels.  Ballester  was  also  to  invite  Roldan  to 
come  to  San  Domingo  in  order  to  adjust  terms  of  recon- 
ciliation, the  Admiral  offering,  if  it  were  required,  a 
written  a.ssiuancc  of  a  safe  conduct.  Tliis  message  had 
barely  arrived  when  Ballester  learned  that  the  rebels 
were  assembling  about  ten  leagues  away,  at  Bonao,  where 
Reciuclme,  one  of  the  leaders,  had  large  possessions. 

Irving,  following  Las  Casas,  says :  "  Ballester  was  a 
venerable  man,  gray-headed,  and  of  a  soldier-like 
demeanor.  Loyal,  frank,  and  virtuous,  of  a  serious  dis- 
position and  great  simplicity  of  heart,  he  was  well 
chosen  as  a  mediator  with  rash  and  profligate  men ; 
being  calculated  to  calm  their  passions  by  his  sobriety, 
to  disarm  their  petulance  by  his  age,  to  win  their  con- 
fidence by  his  artless  probity,  and  to  awe  their  licen- 
tiousness by  his  spotless  virtue." 

This  man  of  weighty*  character  met  the  rebels  in 
full  force  at  Bonao,  ind  they  were  in  the  most  self- 
complacent  and  haughty  mood  possible.  The  Ad- 
miral's oflfer  of  pardon,  so  generous  in  view  of  their 
heinous  deeds,  they  utterly  scorned.     They  were  not 


M 


\d 


THE  TAUNTS  OF  R  OLD  AN. 
390  J 't^ 

comi„g  to  «.ek  peace,  but  to  demand  that  the  Admiral 
should  deliver  to  them  those  Indians  '"^"y^^f  "f* 
and  about  to  be  sent  to  Spain;  &/ R""*"' ^".\\\f 
justice,  had  promised  to  protect  them.  TiU  these 
Indians  were  delivered  there  could  be  no  peace_  Rc^- 
dan  even  claimed  to  control  the  fortunes  of  the  Ad_ 
miral,  who,  if  he  were  not  careful,  would  yetbeobhged 

to  bee  pardon  of  him.  .    1    ' 

How  much  Roldan  cared  for  the  Ind-.ans  ts  best  seen 
in  his  outrageous  treatment  of  them  generally ;  but 
to  champion  the  rights  of  the  -slaved  nattves  was 
convenient  point  to  make  at  this  juncture,  w^en  the 
Queen  was  especially  solicitous  to  liberate  the  suffer^ 
4  subjects  of  this  new  country,  and  he  was  shrewd 
enough  to  noise  the  present  attitude  of  hts  onwar- 
ranTed  rebeUion  thereon.     Roldan  having  taunted  Co- 
umbus  with  the  statement  that  only  the  gentlemen 
about  him  were  loyal,  he  concluded  to  make  a  test  of 
the  Latter,  and  so  ordered  his  men  to  appear  under 
arms.       About    seventy    presented    themselves,    and 
scarcely   more   than   half  of  these  could  be  trusted. 
One  was  lame,  another  was  -k,  and  some  had  rela- 
lives  or  friends   among  those  m  rebelhon.     It  was 
obvious  at  a  glance  that  Columbus  could  command  no 
armed  force  adequate  to  the  occasion,     lo  attempt  it 
Tutd  only  betray  his  weakness.     The  situ^.on  was 
most    humiliating,  and  compromise  with   this  mos 
unreasonable  rebellion  was  become  a  necessity^     Ihe 
five   ships  detained   in   the   harbor  with  the  hope  o 
sendin/back  to  Spain  such  of  the  -bels  f  migh 
prove  incorrigible,  and  of  bearing  more  favorable  tiding, 
to  the  soverSgns,  must  be  under  way,  for  their  suj. 


..nJ»«ffl«l!t*"'0*«»"«* 


.^.,«WS««eBaaewW«il«iW««*oM^ 


APPEAL    TO  THE  SOVEREIGNS. 


391 


the  Admiral 
itly  captured 
Ian,  as  chief 

Till   these 
peace.     Rol- 

of  the  Ad- 
^et  be  obliged 

s  is  best  seen 
;nerally;  but 
natives  was  a 
ire,  when  the 
ite  the  sufifer- 

was  shrewd 
f  his  unwar- 
g  taunted  Co- 
he  gentlemen 
ake  a  test  of 

appear  under 
imselves,  and 
Id  be  trusted, 
some  had  rela- 
Uion.  It  was 
d  command  no 

To  attempt  it 
;  situation  was 
itb  this  most 
ecessity.  The 
th  the  hope  of 
ebels  as  might 
ivorable  tidings 
r,  for  their  sup- 


plies were  wasting,  the  suffering  Indians  on  board 
were  perishing,  some  of  them  suflfocating  with  heat  in 
the  holds,  and  some  of  them  plunging  overboard  and 
making  their  escape.  Then,  too,  the  discontented 
about  him  must  be  gotten  away  before  they  could  com- 
municate with  their  friends  in  rebellion. 

October  i8th,  the  ships  sailed.  Las  Casas  states 
that  his  father  returned  to  Spain  in  one  of  them,  and 
so  must  have  been  able  to  furnish  him  with  many  of 
the  facts  of  his  important  history.  Columbus  sent  to 
the  sovereigns  a  most  interesting  letter,  the  abstract 
of  which,  given  by  Irving,  is  so  lucid  that  we  here 
quote  it : 

"  Columbus  wrote  to  the  sovereigns  an  account  of 
the  rebellion,  and  of  his  proffered  pardon  being  refused. 
As  Roldan  pretended  it  was  a  mere  quarrel  between 
him  and  the  adelantado,  of  which  the  Admiral  was  not 
an  impartial  judge,  the  latter  entreated  that  Roldan 
might  be  summoned  to  Spain,  where  the  sovereigns 
might  be  his  judges  ;  or  that  an  investigation  might 
take  place  in  presence  of  Alonzo  Sanchez  de  Carvajal, 
who  was  friendly  to  Roldan,  and  of  Miguel  Ballester, 
a  witness  on  the  part  of  the  adelantado.  He  attributed, 
in  a  great  measure,  the  troubles  of  this  island  to  his 
own  long  detention  in  Spain,  and  the  delays  thrown 
in  his  way  by  those  appointed  to  assist  him,  who  had 
retarded  the  departure  of  the  ships  with  supplies  until 
the  colony  had  been  reduced  to  the  greatest  scarcity. 
Hence  had  arisen  discontent,  murmuring,  and  finally 
rebellion.  He  entreated  the  sovereigns,  in  the  most 
pressing  manner,  that  the  affairs  of  the  colony  might 
not  be  neglected,  and  those  at  Seville  who  had  charge 


^o2         PROPOSITIONS  OF  THE  ADMIRAL. 

of  its  conccnis  might  be   instructed   at   least  not  to 
devise  impediments  instead  of  assistance.     He  alluded 
to  his  chastisement  of  the  contemptible  Ximeno  Bre- 
viesco,  the  insolent  minion  of  Fonseca,  and  entreated 
that   neither  that  nor  any  other  circumstance  might 
be  allowed  to  prejudice  him  in  the  royal  favor  through 
the  misrepresentations  of  designing  men.     He  assured 
them  that  the  natural  resources  of  the  island  required 
nothing  but  good  management  to  supply  all  the  wants 
of  the  colonists,  but  that  the  latter  were  indolent  and 
profligate.     He  proposed  to  send  home  by  every  ship, 
as   in   the    present   instance,   a   number  of    the   dis- 
contented and  worthless,  to  be  replaced  by  sober  and 
industrious    men.      He  begged  also  that  ecclesiastics 
might  be   sent  out  for  the  instruction  and  conversion 
of  the  Indians  and,  what  was  equally  necessary,  for 
the    reformation    of   the    dissolute    Spaniards.       He 
required,  also,  a  man  learned  in  the  law  to  officiate  as 
judge  over  the  island,  together  with  several  officers  of 
the  royal  revenue." 

The  same  author  continues :  "  Nothing  could  sur- 
pass the  soundness  and  policy  of  these  suggestions ; 
but,  unfortunately,  one  clause  marred  the  moral  beauty 
of  this  excellent  letter.  He  requested  that  for  two 
years  longer  the  Spaniards  might  be  permitted  to 
employ  the  Indians  as  slaves,  only  making  use  of 
such,  however,  as  were  captured  in  wars  and  insur- 
rections. Columbus  had  the  usage  of  the  age  in 
excuse  for  this  suggestion,  but  it  was  at  variance 
with  his  usual  benignity  of  feeling  and  his  paternal 
conduct  towards  these  unfortunate  people." 

The  Admiral's  interesting  letter  detailing  the  facts 


CI 

of  his 

known 

Select 

The 

plausil 

that   tl 

tyrann 

now    n 

friends 

were  n( 

of  the  1 

against 

The 

these  o 

follows 

time :  " 

said   he 

shedder 

light  oc 

head  th 

that  th( 

and  wil 

enemies 

intent  tc 

islands, 

thousan* 

would   p 

only  sue 

"The 

desired  ; 

avouchec 

vised  su 


i^mtiim^mmim0^smfimmiisi''f.ftm 


RAL. 

least  not  to 

He  alluded 
Cimeno  Bre- 
id  entreated 
tance  might 
vor  through 

He  assured 
md  required 
lU  the  wants 
ndolent  and 
I  every  ship, 

of  the  dis- 
t)y  sober  and 

ecclesiastics 
d  conversion 
ecessary,  for 
liards.  He 
o  officiate  as 
ral  officers  of 

y  could  sur- 
suggestions ; 
moral  beauty 
that  for  two 
permitted  to 
iking  use  of 
s  and  insur- 
■  the  age  in 
;  at  variance 
his  paternal 

ling  the  facts 


CRIMINATIONS  AND  RECRIMINATIONS.    393 

of  his  third  voyage  was  sent  separately,  and  is  so  well 
known  in  the  English  translation  given  in  Major's 
Select  Letters  as  to  need  no  extended  notice  here. 

The  rebels  also  wrote  to  Spain,  giving  the  most 
plausible  excuses  for  their  attitude,  claiming,  as  usual, 
that  the  Admiral  and  his  brothers  were  selfish' 
tyrannical,  and  cruel.  Since  Roldan  and  his  company' 
now  numbering  a  hundred  or  more,  had  many 
friends  and  relatives  in  the  mother  country,  and  there 
were  not  wanting  at  the  court  those  who  were  jealous 
of  the  Admiral,  they  had  a  great  and  unequal  influence 
against  the  foreign  adventurer. 

The  criminations   and   recriminations   included   in 
these  opposing  reports  to  the  sovereigns  are  given  as 
follows  by  Peter  Martyr,  who  was  a  courtier  at  the 
time:  "They  accuse  the  Admiral  and  his  brother," 
said   he,    "to    be    unjust    men,   cruel    enemies,    and 
shedders  of  Spanish  blood,  declaring  that  upon  every 
hght  occasion  they  xvould  rack  them,  hang  them,  and 
head  them,  and  that  they  took  pleasure  therein,  and 
that  they  departed  from  them  as  from  cruel  tyrants 
and  wild  beasts  rejoicing  in  blood;  also  the  King's 
enemies  ;  affirming  likewise   that  they  perceived  their 
mtent  to  be  none  other  than  to  usurp  the  empire  of  the 
islands,  which   thing,  they   said,  they  suspected  by  a 
thousand   conjectures,   and   especially   in    that    they 
would   permit  none   to   resort  to  the-gold-mines,  but 
[  only  such  as  were  their  familiars. 

"  The   Admiral,  on    the    contrary    part,   when    he 

desired  aid  of  the  King  to  infringe  their  insolvency, 

avouched   that   all   those  his  accusers  which  had  ad- 

I  vised  such  lies  against   him   were  naughty   felxows. 


394 


CRUEL  DIVERSIONS. 


abominable    knaves     and     villains,    thieves,    bawds, 
ruffians,   adulterers   and   ravishers   of    women,   false 
perjured  vagabonds,  and  such  as  had  been  either  con- 
victs  in  prisons  or  fled  from  fear  of  judgment,  thus 
escaping   punishment  but   not  leaving  vice,  wherein 
they  still  continued  and  brought  the  same  with  them 
to  the  island,  living  there  in  like  manner  as  before,  in 
theft,  lechery,  and  all  kinds  of  mischief,  and  so  given 
to  idleness  and  sleep  that,  whereas  they  were  brought 
thither  for  miners  and  scullions,  they  would  not  now 
go  one  furlong  from  l-heir  houses  except  they  were 
borne  on  men's  backs. 

'*  To  this  office  they  put  the  miserable  island  men, 
whom  they  handled  most  cruelly.  For  lest  their 
hands  should  discontinue  the  shedding  of  blood,  and 
the  better  to  try  their  strength  and  manhood,  they 
used  now  and  then,  for  their  pastime,  to  strive  among 
themselves  and  prove  who  could  most  cleverly  with 
sword,  at  one  stroke,  strike  oflf  the  head  of  an  innocent, 
so  that  he  who  could  with  most  agility  make  the  head 
of  one  of  these  poor  wretches  to  flee  quite  and  clean 
from  the  body  to  the  ground  at  one  stroke,  he  was  the 
best  man  and  counted  most  honorable." 

This  same  horrid  diversion  by  the  Spaniards  in  the 
Indies  is  related  by  Las  Casas. 

The  three  ships  still  in  the  harbor  were  designed 
for  Don  Bartholomew,  in  order  that  he  might  continue 
the  exploration  of  the  coast  of  Paria,  which  the  Ad- 
miral had  been  obliged  to  pass  by  so  hastily.  But  the 
adelantado  could  not  be  spared  till  the  rebels  had  been 
brought  to  terms ;  for  at  any  moment,  in  case  of  their 
making  an  attack,  his  active  valor  might  be  needed. 


;ves,  bawds, 
voinen,  false 
;n  either  con- 
dgment,  thus 
vice,  wherein 
ne  with  them 
as  before,  in 
ind  so  given 
were  brought 
rould  not  now 
ept  they  were 

[e  island  men, 
'or  lest   their 

of  blood,  and 
nanhood,  they 
)  strive  among 

cleverly  with 
)f  an  innocent, 
nake  the  head 
[uite  and  clean 
ke,  he  was  the 

janiards  in  the 

were  designed 
might  continue 

which  the  Ad- 
LStily.  But  the 
rebels  had  been 
in  case  of  their 
ight  be  needed. 


WAS  DON  BAR THOL  OME  W  TO  ttLA MR  f     395 

Hence  the  reconciliation  of  this  *'  handful  of  ruffians  " 
was  now  the  pressing  necessity. 

Was  there  any  truth  in  the  charge  so  generally 
made — that  Roldan's  rebellion  was  brought  about  by 
the  too  severe  rule  of  Don  Bartholomew  ?  Las  Casas, 
who  witnessed  a  full  investigation  of  that  officer's  con- 
duct in  this  matter,  "  acquits  him  of  all  charges  of  the 
kind,  and  affirms  that,  with  respect  to  Roldan  in  par- 
ticular, he  had  exerted  great  forbearance."  But  Co- 
lumbus would  be  on  the  safe  side.  On  the  20th  of 
October  he  wrote  to  Roldan  in  the  most  conciliating — 
one  might  almost  say  patronizing— language.  Would 
he  not,  in  view  of  past  kindnesses,  do  away  with  this 
quarrel  between  him  and  the  adelantado  ?  The  com- 
mon good,  as  well  as  his  former  good  standing  with 
the  sovereigns,  pointed  alike  to  the  desirability  of  such 
a  step.  He  need  not  fear  molestation  in  case  he  and 
his  companions  would  come  to  him.  They  might 
have  a  safe  conduct. 

Who  should  be  the  bearer  of  this  important  letter  ? 
The  rebels  had  refused  to  treat  with  any  one  but 
Carvajal,  but  his  fidelity  was  seriously  doubted,  with- 
out just  foundation,  however,  as  we  shall  hereafter 
see.  The  reasons  presented  against  him  were  ap- 
parently strong  and  decidedly  formidable  in  number, 
but  Columbus,  who  was  always  charitable  in  his 
judgments,  gave  him  the  benefit  of  the  doubt,  and  so 
made  him  his  messenger.  Nor  did  he  ever  have 
occasion  to  regret  it. 

But  the  messenger  was  scarcely  out  of  sight  when  a 
letter  arrived  signed  jointly  by  the  leaders  of  the 
rebellion,  and  written  several  days  before.     This  letter 


6         THE  REBELS  ARE  INCORRIGIBLE. 

put  a  new  phase  on  their  afifairs.     Not  only  did  they 
deny  the  charge  of  being  in  rebellion,  "  but  claimed 
great   merit "    for  not   having   done    more    ""schief. 
They    had   dissuaded    their    fellows  from  killing  the 
adelantado  in  revenge  for  his  cruel  oppressions,  pre- 
vailing  on   them   to   await  the  Admiral's  return  for 
redress.     It  was  now  a  month  since  his  return.     Dur- 
iug  all  this  time  they  had  waited  patiently,  expecting 
to  receive  some  orders  from  him,  but  all  in  vain.     He 
had  shown  only  irritation  and  ill-will.      In  point  of 
honor   and   safety,  therefore,  they   now   formally   de- 
manded discharge  from  his  service. 

Meanwhile,  Carvajal   and    Ballester   presented   the 
Admiral's  letter,  and  exhausted  their  powers  of  per- 
suasion with  view  to  a  reconciliation.     Having  right, 
truth,  personal  influence,  and  the   authority  of  Spain 
on  their  side,  they  succeeded  in  winning  the  judgment 
of  the  leaders,  so  that  they  even  mounted  their  horses 
in  order  to  confer  with  the  Admiral ;  but  the  body  of 
their  followers  were  too  thick-headed  and  corrupt  to  be 
amenable  to  reason,  and  they  immediately  set  up  a  noisy 
clamor  in  opposition.      The  idle,  roaming,  licentious 
life  which  they  were  living  they  would  on  no  account 
exchange  for  the  industrial  and  moral  discipline  of  the 
colony.     This  was  a  matter  which  concerned  them  all, 
they  said,  and  no  arrangement  should  be  made,  there- 
fore, without   their  knowledge  and  consent.     Let  all 
propositions  be  made  in  writing,  and  so  be  made  clear 
to  the  public.     This  uproar  continued  for  one  or  two 
days,  and  then  Roldan  wrote  to  the  Admiral  that  his 
followers  objected  to  his  coming  to  San  Domingo  with- 
out a  passport  to  protect  him  and  his  companions. 


Sea: 
urginj 
demai 
iially 
lug  ai: 
promi: 
dissati 
would 
of  the 
luiral 
him  s] 
rank  £ 

Col 
was  n 
when 
to  gai 
Hisdc 
able  t 
dange 
could 
in  his 
have 
naudc 
a  geiii 
upon 
follow 

some 
and  t 
had  fl 
happe 

partic 


UiLE. 


PERILOUSNESS  OF  THE  SITUATION. 


397 


ily  did  they 
'  but  claimed 
re  mischief. 
1  killing  the 
ressioiis,  pre- 
's  return  for 
-eturn.  Dur- 
ly,  expecting 
in  vain.  He 
In  point  of 

formally  de- 
presented  the 
towers  of  per- 
Having  right, 
rity  of  Spain 

the  judgment 
:d  their  horses 
t  the  body  of 
1  corrupt  to  be 
^  set  up  a  noisy 
ling,  licentious 
on  no  account 
iscipline  of  the 
jrned  them  all, 
be  made,  there- 
isent.     Let  all 

be  made  clear 

for  one  or  two 
Imiral  that  his 

Domingo  with- 
)mpanions. 


Scarcely  more  assuring  was  the  letter  from  Ballester, 
urging  an  agreement  to  whatever  the  rebels  might 
demand,  since  their  force,  already  so  strong,  was  contin- 
ually increasing,  the  soldiers  of  his  own  garrison  desert- 
ing and  going  over  to  them  daily.  Unless  some  com- 
promise were  made  at  once  and  the  incorrigible  and 
dissatisfied  sent  to  Spain,  the  government  of  the  colony 
would  be  in  the  most  imminent  danger,  not  to  speak 
of  the  peril  which  might  threaten  the  person  of  the  Ad- 
miral himself.  Even  if  the  officers  and  gentlemen  about 
liim  should  prove  faithful,  he  could  not  depend  on  the 
rank  and  file  of  the  people. 

Columbus  realized  the  crisis  of  the  moment.  There 
was  no  choice  left  to  him.  He  sent  the  passport.  But 
when  Roldan  arrived  it  was  evident  that  he  had  come 
to  gain  adherents  rather  than  to  effect  a  reconciliation. 
His  demands  were  so  numerous,  arrogant,  and  unreason- 
able that  Columbus^  notwithstanding  the  threatening 
danger  and  his  willingness  to  make  large  concessions, 
could  not  admit  them.  Roldan  left,  promising  to  send 
in  his  terms  in  writing.  "  But  that  they  might  not 
have  cause  to  complain,"  says  Columbus's  son,  Fer- 
nando, "  or  say  he  was  too  stiff  in  this  affair,  he  ordered 
a  general  pardon  to  be  proclaimed,  and  to  be  thirty  days 
upon  the  gates  of  the  fort,  the  purport  whereof  was  as 
follows  : 

"  That  forasmuch  as  during  his  absence  in  Spain 
some  difference  had  occurred  between  the  lieutenant 
and  the  chief  justice,  Roldan,  and  other  persons  who 
had  fled  with  him,  notwithstanding  anything  that  had 
happened,  they  might  all  in  general,  and  every  one  in 
particular,  safely  come  to  serve  their  Catholic  Majesties, 


ri-*;yi?!G^.v:*\"!M?  '^■^- 


a  PROCLAMA  TION  OF  rMtDON. 

..  if  no  difference  had  ever  been,  and  that  whosoever 
wo  Id  go  iS:  Spain  should  have  his  P-age  a^^^^^^^^^ 

Trder  to  receive  his  pay,  as  was  -f  7"^^];?  ^^ 

\a.A   thev  presented  themselves   before  the  Admiral 

lit  i^MtyTys  to  receive  the  benefit  of  this  pardon, 

'"irIX:rlp::^ng  the  doc.  wide  enough  for 
auyreille  pe  Jn  among  the  rebels  to  find  h,s  way 
back  into  the  royal  service  with  honor. 

Ca  v^al  carried  a  copy  of  the  P™''^"^"""  '°  J°^ 
P      r„t  on  where  he  found  Roldan  besieging  Ballester, 

-?"ifj::^^^^rre^^? 

^l^^^  teason  -. -o-  .^^^^^^^^^ 

"  taS Tagrel  "  rs'ca^vaial,  and  Salamanca, 
hLstewatwhold  accompanied  him,  could  sign,  he 

""^^V^Srti'nUd  on  the  fort  the  rebeU  scoffed 
at  saying  the  Admiral  would  soon  be  obliged  to  ^g 
tr  pardon.  After  the  earnest  expostulations  of  Car^ 
vajal,  the  following  articles  were  drawn  up  by  Roldan 

Z:^  mostt^isMlowe.  were  the.  andjeca^ 

• "    "       '   '       1  Life  of  Coluinbut,  by  hU  Son. 


there  is 
prepare 
said  R( 
Spain, 
II.  '] 
pay  me 
and  let 
ties  thj 
III. 
they  h 
certify 
womei 
them  s 
were  t 
may  t£ 
IV. 
all  th( 
been  j 
furnish 
have  1 
have 
or  for 
if  the 
easily 
biscui 
V. 
such 
their 
VI. 
perso: 
Lords 

vi: 


V. 

t  whosoever 
sage  and  an 

otheis,  pro- 
the  Admiral 

this  pardon, 
.r  within  the 
ainst  accord- 

e  enough  for 
►  find  his  way 

ation  to  Fort 
ring  Ballester, 
ce  him  to  sur- 
med,  in  order 
Ian  wished  to 
the  Admiral's 
3uld  not  agree 
would  draw  up 
Lnd  Salamanca, 
could  sign,  he 

le  rebels  scoffed 
obliged  to  beg 
ilatious  of  Car- 
i  up  by  Roldan 

two  good  ships, 
nent  of  able  sea- 
ort  of  Zaragua, 
:re  and  because 


PROrOS/TIONS  FROM  THE  REBELS.      399 

there  is  no  other  port  more  commodious  to  provide  and 
prepare  victualling  and  other  necessaries,  where  the 
said  Roldau  and  his  company  shall  embark  and  sail  for 
Spain,  if  so  God  please. 

II.  That  his  Lordship  shall  give  an  order  for  the 
payment  of  the  salaries  due  to  them  all  till  that  day, 
and  letters  of  recommeudatioH  to  their  Catholic  Majes- 
ties that  they  may  cause  them  to  be  paid. 

III.  That  he  shall  give  them  slaves  for  the  service 
they  have  done  in  the  island,  and  their  sufferings,  and 
certify  the  said  gift;  and  because  some  of  them  have 
women  big  with  child,  or  delivered,  if  they  carry 
them  away  they  shall  pass  instead  of  such  slaves  they 
were  to  have ;  and  the  children  shall  be  free,  and  they 
may  take  them  along  with  them. 

IV.  His  Lordship  shall  put  into  the  aforesaid  ships 
all  the  provisions  requisite  for  that  voyage,  as  have 
been  given  to  others  before  ;  and  because  he  could  not 
furnish  them  with  bread,  the  judge  and  his  company 
have  leave  to  provide  in  the  country,  and  that  they 
have  thirty  hundredweight  of  biscuit  allowed  them, 
or  for  want  of  it  thirty  sacks  of  corn,  to  the  end  that 
if  the  cassava  or  Indian  bread  should  spoil,  as  might 
easily  happen,  they  may  subsist  upon  the  aforesaid 
biscuit  or  corn. 

V.  That  his  Lordship  shall  give  a  safe  conduct  for 
such  persons  as  shall  come  to  receive  the  orders  for 

their  pay. 

VI.  Forasmuch  as  some  goods  belonging  to  several 
persons  who  are  with  Roldan  have  been  seized,  his 
Lordship  shall  order  restitution  to  be  made. 

VII.  That  his  Lordship  shall  write  a  letter  to  their 


■^MiSir-tt^ --MS  ^.  1  JJ-i>«; « 


„«      PJfOPOsmONS  FROM  rilE  REBELS. 

J.„,„or,ty  to  sen  so,ne  K^o^s    .e  ha.    .^  c. 

SaLauca  »  be  just,  he  shall  write  to  the  sa.d  3udge 
"  XrThiThrs  Lo£ip  Shan  be  discoursed  eoneern- 
'"Vl'rSft'rh  as  the  saidRoldan  and  his 

'':rhc  ot  Ir  stir    that'are  in  the  island,  he  shall 

Sa!:ch::'de  Carvaia,  and  James  de  Salam-a  «U 
Francis   Roldan   and   h,s  company,  tins   day^  be>  8 
Wednesday,  the  a.st  of  November,  I49i>,  I  ^^  '^''"''■" 


ELS. 

at  the  said 
the  inhabi- 
vveuty  great 
ill,  praying 
)r  them  they 
swiiie  were 

said  Roldau 

s,  which   he 

them  as  he 

with  whom 

idges  to  give 

;  demands  of 
lie  said  judge 

irsed  concern- 

>ldan  and  his 
)r  some  other 
some  violence 
.land,  he  shall 
act,  promising, 
own  faith  and 
in  Spain,  that 
on  shall  offend 

ade  by  Alonzo 
;alamanca  with 
his  day,  being 
8,  I  am  content 


PROrOSlTlONS  FROM  THE  REREl.S.      401 

it  be  fully  observed,  upon  condition  that  the  said 
Francis  Roldan,  nor  any  of  his  followers,  in  whose 
name  he  subscribed  and  ratified  the  articles  by  him 
delivered  to  the  aforesaid  Alon/.o  Sanchez  de  Carvajal 
and  James  de  Salamanca,  shall  not  receive  into  their 
company  any  other  Christian  of  the  island,  of  any 
state  or  condition  whatsoever. 

I  Francis  Roldan,  judge,  do  promise  and  engage 
my 'faith  and  word,  for  myself  and  all  those  with  me, 
that  the  articles  above  mentioned  shall  be  observed 
and  fulfilled,  without  any  fraud,  but  faithfully  as  is 
liere  set  down,  his  Lordship  performing  all  that  has 
been  agreed  on  between  Alonzo  Sanchez  de  Carvajal 
and  James   de   Salamanca   and  myself,  as  is  in  the 

written  articles.  r    -n    i 

I  That  from  the  day  of  the  date  hereof  till  the 
answer  be  brought,  for  which  ten  days  shall  be  allowed, 
I  will  admit  no  person  whatsoever  of  those  that  are 
with  the  Lord  Admiral. 

IL  That  within  fifty  days  after  the  said  answer  shall 
be  delivered  to  me  here  in  Fort  Conception,  signed  and 
sealed  by  his  Lordship,  which  shall  be  within  the  ten 
days  before  mentioned,  we  will  embark  and  set  sail 

for  Spain.  j         1    n 

III.  That  none  of  the  slaves  freely  granted  us  shall 

be  carried  away  by  force. 

IV.  That  whereas  the  Admiral  will  not  be  at  the  port 
where  we  are  to  embark,  the  person  or  persons  his 
Lordship  shall  send  thither  be  honored  and  respected 
as  their  Majesties'  and  his  Lordship's  officers,  to  whom 
shall  be  given  an  account  of  all  we  put  aboard  the  ships, 
that  they  may  enter  it  and  do  as  his  Lordship  shall 


Ill  Mll.lM IS^'   THliM'^- 
'7  ""  ,  rs  ,        n      im.  then  in  writing,  U.c  unswc. 

scribed  tins  wnling.     C'i\oi  .u   n»«.  v,         x 
except   the  lessci  ^^.^^^  ^^^^^ 

T1,P  rebels  then  went  away  into  Zaragna  '■"Pi 
JtlX^^^^  and  tU.   «  .t  onoe^  abo,;. 
,.,,      ,.e  -  jH,p«  re.  y    >    Spa.n,  as_^a,^^^^__^^^  ^^  , 
part  thus  with  the  snips  further  d  s- 

Lnd  Hi.  brother   B-^^^^^r^L '^e^ilXries 
coveries  in  the  regions  »f  /^    »  •'™;      /^^  ^^e  trouble 

Tt^ rr>LroT':rr  \r  if  the  ...in, 

"iessTty  of  t'L  hour.     How  mneh  more  raptdly  ever, 


RKrOURSF.    (U-    rUF.   APM/h'M- 


4^'^ 


jcstics.  All 
1(1  performed 
:arvajal  and 
,  Ihc  answer 
ti<m  in  eiglu 
t   I  shall  not 

a. 

luy  company 
,  I  have  sub- 
epllon  on  the 

■ms,  based  on 
ly  hemmed  in 
ombination  of 
ad  no  choice, 
action  was  be- 
hosc  who  were 
Ciguaya,  after 
nen  had  gone 
f  November,  he 
on  the   part  of 
:,\\  his  part, 
gna  to  prepare 
once   set  about 
as  agreed.     1" 
had  planned  to 
for  further  dis- 
:  pearl   fisheries 
get  the  trouble 
as  the   pressing 
re  rapidly  every 


department   of  this   great   enterprise  might   then   pro- 
gress. .  r  »i 

Hut  he  felt    i  his  duty  to  advi.se  the  sovereigns  of  the 
karful  combinati.m  of  things  which  niade  it  necessary 
for  him  to  Mgn  an  agreement  so  false  and  so  unjust  as 
that  by  which  the  rebellion  had  been  compromised.     A 
detailed  account,  therefore,  of  the  wlude  matter  was  for- 
warded to  Spain.     He  recommended  that  these   parties 
be  arrested,  and  when  their  outrageous  conduct,  which 
had   paraly/ed    every   industry  in  the  island,  broken 
up   the   system  of   tribute,  and  brought  on  war  with 
the  natives,  whom  they  had  rol)bcd  and  who.se  women 
they   had  debauched,   could   be  investigated,  the  .sov- 
ereigus  would  know  something  of  the  terrible  necessity 
under  which  he  had  been  compelled  to  act  in  order  to 
save  the  colony  from  utter  ruin. 

The  trouble  with  the  rebels  being  thus  adjusted,  and 
Sun  Domingo  and  vicinity  once  more  restored  to  tran- 
quillity, the  Admiral,  accompanied  by  Don  Bartholomew, 
went  to  Isabella  to  repair  such  mischief  as  had  occurred 
in  consequence  of  the  revolt,  the  interests  at  San  Do- 
mingo being  left  with  Don  Diego. 

Hut  such  was  the  lack  of  the  necessary  resources  and 
such  the  disorder  in  the  colony  that  the  ships  agreed 
upon  for  Roldan  could  not  be  gotten  ready  till  late  in 
February.  Then  a  severe  storm  overtook  them  on  their 
way  and  compelled  them  to  lie  at  audiorin  a  harbor  on 
the  coast  till  the  end  of  March.  Indeed,  one  was  so 
disabled  as  to  be  obliged  to  return  to  San  Domingo, 
another  being  dispatched    under   Carvajal  to  take  its 

place. 
This  failure  of  the  ships   in   respect  to  time  the 


CAR  VAJAL'S  PROTEiy  T. 


.ebds  seized  upon,  glad  for  -V  "--j^^i^^^^Veu! 

therefore  resolved  not  to  go.  „„.«„<.. 

0.rvaial  tl,en  gave  formal  protest,  in  the  presence 

frXU^  l}r  refusing  u.  e«^f  J— J 

tdi'^L";;":  t:?rdr::™,l^d  :tth^  provisions 

washed  byuuLoldable  detention,  «-^^-;'  l-^*     . 
SrDon,.^go,  while  Carvajal  ret^r^ed     ,  land^  J^o, 
dan    went    with   h.m   some    distance 
appearing  ninch  disturbed  .n  ^'^^^J^J^^^^^.^^ 
return  to  Spain,  and  to  persist  in 

.,th  such  a  band  of  ruffians  ^^^  ''^,':  Ld  to  talk 

.fford  any  very  ''"s'^' f^f  ^^  "two  alighted  and 
with   Carvajal  pr.va  ely,   so  they  J^  ^^^^^  ^^ 

withdrew  under  a  "«•  /^S^^'^j^i^,  „„„,d  send  a' 
was  loyal  at  heart,  ^■'*,'' ;"„,7„  •  ^,  companions  he 
.afe-conduct  to  mm  ^"f  ^?\f""Xt  all    might  he 
would    meet  him,   and  though     to  all        g     ^^^ 

-rer.:el\r  r  ra^reCs  fa;  as  his  me. 

were  concerned.  u^   to  reDort  this  to  thel 


"  short 

submis 

was  wr 

San  D( 

on  the 

about  1 

that  h( 

and  hi 

did  no1 

author 

But 

Spain. 

amidst 

the  m 

eigns 

letter 

knowl 

few   \^ 

north, 

remaii 

time 

rebell: 

to  be  ■ 

and  b 

Thi 

Colun 

crisis 

when 

the  r 

every 

ciliati 


COLl'MBUS  APl'EALS  J  A   \  AJN. 


405 


escape  such 
»le  to  meet  in 
le  on  Coluni- 
e  ships,  and 
jndition,  and 
ght  perish  on 
isions  which 
consumed  by 
ilaced.     They 

the   presence 
:  according  to 
ships,   already 
irith  provisions 
sent  back  to 
by  land.     Rol- 
en   horseback, 
He  dared  not  I 
ce  of  authority 
eels  could   not 
wished  to  talk 
)   alighted   and 
iclared  that  he 
[  would  send  a 
companions  he 
;  all    might  be  1 
ties ;  but  for  the 
s  far  as  his  men 

;port  this  to  the  I 
ie-conduct  under 
2tter  to   Roldan, 


"  short "  but  "  very  pithy,  persuading  him  to  peace, 
submission,  and  their  Majesties'  service."  This  letter 
was  written  May  21st.  "  He  afterwards  repeated  it  at 
San  Domingo  more  at  large,  on  the  29th  of  June,  and 
on  the  3d  of  August  six  or  seven  of  the  chief  men 
about  the  Admiral  sent  Roldan  another  safe-conduct, 
that  he  might  come  to  treat  with  his  lordship."  '  He 
and  his  followers  were  pledged  security,  provided  they 
did  nothing  hostile  to  the  representatives  of  the  royal 

authority. 

But  it  is  time  for  Columbus  to  get  intelligence  from 
Spain.     Since  he  is  struggling  so  faithfully,  so  loyally 
amidst  the  toils  of  a  rebellion  almost  universal,  and 
the  most  unreasonable  and  wicked,  surely  the  sover- 
eigns will  stand  by  him  promptly,  positively.     The 
letter  he   receives   is  from  Bishop  Fonseca.     He  ac- 
knowledges the  appeal  made  by  the  Admiral,  but  in  a 
few   words,  as   freezijigly   cold  as  the  icebergs  of  the 
north,  he  simply  says  the  matter  for  the  present  must 
remain  in  suspense  until   the   sovereigns   may  have 
time  to  investigate  and  devise  some    remedy — as  if 
rebellion  and  disorder  in  a  young  colony  were  a  thing 
to  be  winked  at,  and  allowed  plenty  of  time  to  grow 
and  become  strong. 

This  cniel  answer  almost  took  the  heart  out  of 
Columbus.  Must  he,  then,  stand  alone  in  this  terrible 
crisis?  How  incorrigible  would  the  rebels  become 
when  they  discovered  how  little  influence  he  had  with 
the  royal  authority  1  Still,  he  would  do  and  suffer 
everything  in  order  to  bring  about  a  speedy  recon- 
ciliation.    In  the  latter  part  of  August  he  and  several 

>  Fernando  Columbus,  cap.  83. 


o5    EFFRONTER  V  OF  THE  REBELS. 

„r  l,i,  most  i,nporta„t  met,  sailed  in  the  two  caravels 
A:,:°«tweert  Sa,.  Domingo  and  Zaragtu.  m  otder 
to  meet  Roldan  a,id  his  men  as  much  to  their 

Celv  he  nnst  have  heard  how  coolly  the  Adnural  s 
:  ■  a^  h:d  been  received  i„  Spain  ^"^^^ 
IL.S  had  changed  the  Vropn.ty  o(  cen.^^^^^s^. 
he  demanded  the  same  terms  as  before,  adding 

'1°  Th!t  the  Admiral  shonld  send  fifteen  of  his  men 
tn  Snaiu  in  the  first  ships  which  might  go 

frTliat  to  those  remaining  he  should  give  land  and 

Xl    T^iat  ;rocTamation  shonld  be  made  that  all  which 
had  happene'd  had  been  caused  by  false  suggestions 

-fv^'Zt  thrA^i"!  ^"uewlyappoiut  Roldai, 

"Tr^lld  have  been  more  humiliaung« 
,  tl,^„  these'      But  to  the  unhappy  Admiral 
Tre  w  s  1  ft  no    hoice  between  this  miserable  com- 
'p'roiiro    the  ruin  of  the  colony,    fo'dan  went  o. 
^hore  to  confer  with  the  main  body  of  h-  »  -     AJ 
some  two  days  the  capitulations  of  the  rebels  wer 
oTarded  in  Lguage  the  -st  arrogrant  and^  in  ul^ 
i„g.     To  all  their  former  articles  of  joncession  Iron. 

"       '^  1  See  Fernando  Columbus. 


ment. 


I 


nUMILlA  TIAG   COA/J/T/OA.S. 


S. 

vo  caravels 
a,  ill  order 
)  their  cou- 

eral  others, 
d  effrontery 
iven  ill  dic- 
ak  of  a  cul- 
for  pardon, 
e  AdiiiiraVs 
3t  as  circuin- 
Lain  clauses, 
adding  the 

.  of  his  men 

rive  land  and 

:hat  all  which 
;  suggestions 

.point  Roldan 

umiliating  or 
ippy  Admiral 
liserable  com- 
Idan  went  on 
s  men.  After 
le  rebels  were 
tit  and  insult- 
)ncession  from 


407 


Columbus  they  added  that  if  he  should  fail  in  the  ful- 
filment of  any  point,  they  might,  by  force  or  by  any 
other  means  they  saw  fit,  compel  him. 

Before  signing  these  humiliating  conditions  he 
added  that  the  commands  of  the  sovereigns,  himself, 
and  the  justices  should  be  promptly  obeyed  by  them. 
Whatever  the  injustice  and  the  personal  humiliation 
he  might  suffer  in  this  transaction,  there  might  come  a 
time  when  he  could  explain  to  the  royal  ear  how  little 
personal  freedom  there  had  been  left  to  him. 

We  have  been  somewhat  full  and  explicit  in  giving 
the  details  of  this  shameful  rebellion,  that  the  reader 
may  judge  for  himself  as  to  the  wretched  material  out 
of  which  Columbus  was  obliged  to  construct  his  col- 
ony. Let  those  who  are  disposed  to  judge  him  severelj' 
as  a  ruler  contemplate  what  they  could  have  done 
under  like  circumstances.  Surely  Don  Bartholomew 
must  have  been  a  patient  man  to  have  allowed  so  much 
blame  to  be  falsely  imputed  to  him ;  for  his  manage- 
ment, during  the  absence  of  the  Admiral,  had  been 
made  the  chief  point  of  censure  by  the  rebels. 

Herrera  represents  Roldan  as  resuming  his  office  of 
chief  judge  with  a  no+^'ceable  arrogance.  Surrounded 
by  his  former  accomplices,  and  holding  intercourse 
only  with  the  disaffected,  he  was  disposed  to  frown  upon 
those  who  had  been  orderly  and  loyal,  even  discharg- 
ing Rodrigo  Perez,  the  Admiral's  lieutenant,  and  say- 
ing that  only  those  whom  he  should  appoint  could 
hold  office  in  the  island.  But  Columbus  was  patient, 
and  endured  many  indignities  that  quiet  and  order 
might  be  restored.  When  Roldan  presented  a  paper, 
signed   by   over  one   hundred  of  his   late   followers, 


i^^m:-^^--    fi.'-'' 


I 


REPARTIMIBNTOS. 

408  .    , 

„.Ui,..  ro.  lands  i„  Zaragna  ^^^^l^^^^ltl 
settle,  1.0  feared  the  resttlt  of  -'""'f^;"!^  better 
at  one  point,  and  that  so  — ^„^ « the  banks 
to  distribute  them,  some  at  Bonao  son  ^^^^^^ 

of  the  Rio  Verde,  and  <">-- t^J^^^onioned  them 
of  land  he  gave  were  large,  and  h^^l'-"  "W         ^^  „„s. 

as  slaves    many  «>?°  .''='*„'';'"  ifu^by  means  of 

Caciques  nearby  ''"g^'/'^^f^'^ite      This  sort  of 
their  sttbiects  instead  of  paymgtnbute^Th^^^^^^.^ 

,„asi  serfdom  was  tbe  b^g-""^"/  V^:Un^ioUos,  and 
,f  free  Indtans  f»;  '^^"^^^^J  .Jsed  by  the  Span- 
which  was  afterwards  so  gj'*'  ^  ^y^^s,  Colum- 

iaMs  in  the  New  Wor    .     If,  -  Mu^^^  ^^  ^^^  „, 

bus  now  concluded  that,  as  a       4  .^  t„ 

;'!=  rtl'  trn^rcrrtllJl^e^yUrent  to  the 
tht  1      olie    he'\,ad  in  mind  on  his  hrst  d.scovery. 

..^  V  Tro'-es,  coUeft  tribute,  and  keep  an  eye 
on  the  conduct  of  the  colonists  .  .^ 

Roldan  now  P'-^"''<'/'^^°  rovaT^ultry  farm 

irztaVut\vith  cattle  and  animals  in  g^^^^^^ 
.acicne  whose  ears  O^dahd^c^     ^^   ^^^^^^  ^^ 

went  into  the  Vega  was  ..  ^s,  however, 

laborers  on  these  lands.      ^11  these  gr    ^  ^^. 

when  the  sovereigns  should  come  to  •        i, 

Roldan  gained  permission  to  visit  his  possess 


I 


S,'ifcl*"S*j!>««-'5*««S«lS 


i-l.snEMBaESiWjSWBiiiaKaiSH'^f 


1-SlS^— irt»SW« 


RE^UELMKS  BARN. 


409 


they  might 
lany  rebels 
rht  it  better 

the  banlcs 

The  tracts 
tioned  them 

I  the  wars, 
by  means  of 
This  sort  of 

distribution 
mienloSy  and 
by  the  Span- 
links,  Colnm- 

this  part  of 
;  as  vassals  to 
Jerent  to  the 
rst  discovery. 

t  of  police  to 
d  keep  an  eye 

tns,  which  in- 

II  poultry  farm 
certain  grants 
general.     The 
:  when  he  first 
lis   subjects  as 
rants,  however.  | 
r  Columbus  an- 
le  late  rebellion 
low  the  facts. 
s  possessions  in  I 


the  Vega.  At  Bonao,  his  late  headquarters,  he  made 
Requelme,  one  of  his  old  colleagues,  a  judge  in  that 
place.  At  this  appointment  Columbus  was  aggrieved, 
for  it  transcended  the  powers  of  Roldan's  office.  Then 
that  strong  edifice  which  Requelme  was  erecting  on 
a  hill,  ostensibly  a  barn  for  cattle,  looked  exceedingly 
like  a  fortress,  and  might  be  used  by  the  late  rebels  as 
a  stronghold.  Arana,  in  his  firm  loyalty,  entered  a 
protest  against  the  building.  Both  parties  appealed 
to  the  Admiral,  and  he  forbade  the  enterprise. 

Columbus   had  intended  to  go  into  Spain,  taking 
Don    Bartholomew   with   him,  in   order  that   they  in 
person  might  accomplish  that  which  his  letters  had 
failed  to  do.     But   the   outlook  was   still   forbidding. 
Could  he  be  certain  that  the  late  rebellion  was  wholly 
subdued  ?     What  if  the  Ciguayans  should  swoop  down 
from  the  mountains,  as  they  seemed  inclined,  and  try 
to  carry  ofif  their  imprisoned  cacique,  Maiobanex,  now 
in  Fort  Conception  ?    What  could  be  the  import  of  those 
four  ships  said  to  have  recently  arrived  at  the  west 
end  of  the  island  ?     The  Admiral  was  obliged  to  con- 
tent himself  with  sending  two  caravels  to  Spain  early 
in  October.     In  these  returned  such  of  the  colonists 
as  did  not  wish  to  stay,  including  some  of  the  late 
rebels.      They    took    slaves    with    them    and    such 
daughters  of  the  caciques  as  they  could  induce  to  go 
with  them,  which  wrongs  the  Admiral,  in  the  weak- 
ness of  his  authority,  was  obliged  to  wink  at.     He 
also  knew  but  too  well  how  these  enemies  would  lose 
no  opportunity  to  misrepresent  and  ruin  him  at  the 
court.      As  an  oflfset  he  sent  the  noble  Ballester  and 
Garcia  Barrantes  to  represent  him  before  the  sover- 


coiajMBV'^'^'^  a r peal. 

eigns  and  to  present  the  depositions  concern  "g  'he 

em,d«ctof  the  late   rebels,  "f  .'^^  "^y!  since  he 
affair  he  nrged  them  to  make  c  ose  »^q^  ^J 
looked  npon  his  capmtlat.on     -^l^^l^   him    in 
void,   becanse   they   ^^^f  ^';«"      J,f„   [,risdictio„  as 
violence,  and  at  sea,  where  he  had  no  )t 

viceroy  ;  because  the  -»-^S-'!  .''/'^J'::^  \„  absolve 

as  traitors,  and  U  was .»"'    °    "  ^^^J/j  matters  of 
them;  because  the  caP't«lat.o,.s  .nc'nde  ^^^  ^j_^ 

the  royal  revenue,  over  which  he  had  no  c 

absence   of  the   ofhcers   P"'-""f^ '°  J  vtut^d    he 

^vLS     tl"-  asked -a  i-.e  c-.te.^ 

^'■"'t"hat1rmiS  noTr,;d  alot  in  tlfe  seve« 
m  order  that  he  mu,  functions  must  be 

exigencies  of  justice.    Jut  the.  ^^  ^^^  ^ig- 

so  limited  as  not  to  infringe  011  ms      g 

•^-  o      What  could  governors  do  it  tneir  P^iu^^^ 
nities.     What  couiQ  g  ^^^^^  ^^^  ^^^^^^^g 

not  sustain  them?     And,  since  .^^^i^i^s  of 

and  he  was  becoming  conscious  ot  tne  m 

and   ne  wa  ^^^^  ^  ^^^^^  ^^^  des- 

age,  might  not  his  son         ^  '         ^^-i^ed  at  mature 
lined  to  be  his  successor  and  having  arnvea  1 

years,  be  sent  to  assist  him  ? 


\ 


j^..^-^.v-tHWS*ii,..» 


iiti0O&*^vsimii^^- 


icerning  the 
th  of  which 
liry,  since  he 
11  as  uuU  and 
rom   him    i" 
urisdiction  as 
:n  condemned 
;r   to   absolve 
ed  matters  of 
control  in  the 
it ;  and,  more 
d  violated  the 
ng  Spain,  that 
^riceroy  of  the 
e  competent  to 
screet  persons, 
e  in  the  severe 
ctions  must  be 
rights  and  dig- 
beir  princes  did  | 
alth  was  failing  1 
tie  infirmities  of| 
i  page,  but  des- 
rrived  at  mature  | 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

ojeda's  mischief  at  zaragua. 

It  seems  as  if  there  were  no  limits  to  the  evil 
in  the  hearts  of  those  with  whom  Columbus 
was   associated.      Even  the   brave,  dashing 
Ojeda   is  now  in   mischief.      His  four  ships,  already 
hinted  at,  were  anchored  at  the  west  end  of  the  island. 
As  Roldan  had  now  faced  about  and  seemed  anxious 
to  reinstate  himself,  Columbus  sent  him,  on  the  29th 
of  September,  with  two  caravels,  to  inquire  into  the 
reason  for  their  appearance.     He  anchored  within  two 
leagues  of  Ojeda's  squadron,  and  landed  with  twenty- 
five  men  accustomed  to  find  trails  in  the  forest.     Five 
were  sent  as  scouts,  who  reported  Ojeda  away  from 
his  ships,  and  accompanied  by  only  fifteen  men.     They 
were  making  cassava-bread.     Roldan  placed  himself 
so  as  to  intercept  their  return,  or  possibly  take  them 
by   surprise.     The    Indians,   who   dreaded    his   very 
name  on  account  of  his  former  excesses  among  them, 
reported  him.     Ojeda  saw  his  peril,  and,  as  he  could 
not  return  to  his  ships,  faced  Roldan  with  only  a  half- 
dozen   men.     The   latter   wished   to   know   why  the 
former  had  come  to  that  lonely  part  of  the  island. 
Ojeda    said  he  had  been  on  a  voyage  of  discovery, 
and  had  sought  a  harbor  there  because  he  was  dis- 
tressed for  food  and  needed  to  repair  his  ships.     In 
the   name  of  the   government,  Roldan   demanded   a 
sight  01  the  credentials  under  which  he  prosecuted 


if 

'ft' 


'i 


OIEDAS  INTHUSHhS- 
412  ■' 

•  .      Knowins  that  Roldan  was  not  to  be 
his  discoveries     K''<'.*'"8  "  ;    ,-  «as  on  board 

trifled  with,  Ojeda  said  that  h.s  ''""^'^  *  j„  j,,, 

„is  ship,  and  that  he  would  P->.f  JJ/f^pU  to 
Admiral  at  San  Donungo,  «'""  ''%,^;"  „;  ht  hear, 
him  intelligence    wh.ch    no   one    else    m^ 

Meanwhile  he  '"'^Y  rdil^r^cf  court  that  there 
■"'"'  ""talu  oTuk  ng  a^fr^s  command,  and  that 
;;:  2;;::  ab:ut"hi:  'my  re^maming  friend,  was  so  .11 
It  she  was  in  nowise  ""'»■ '"J"^",,,,  ,Hps  he 

When   Roldan    -'"J^^^.^^^^itee,  some  of 
found  1  persons  of  his  former  acq  repeated 

whom  had  before  be^,.n  the    sUnd^   Jl-V^^P    ^^^ 

the  substance  "f ,  O^^fj,^  ^Xp„„Uca,  authorising 
indeed  a  license,  signed  by  Bishop  !■  ,  ^^ 

Ojeda's  voyage  of  d'^covery.  The  wn 
the  enterprise  was  soon  revealed.  The  glow,  g  V 
which  Columbus  had  sent  '"/P-'^^f  J^  L.  etc., 
which  he  had  just  "P'"'^^' "'' .f  tl„„  a  certain 
had  been  made  »»■"»?  Sem  the  advantage 
group  of  adventurers,  thus  «'™f'..kAmyn\.    Theii 

.^ordinate   th.nt  lot  g  ,,pedition,    the 

P"'  f    n  ,  „n  Fonseca  giving  him  full  access  to  all 
worthy  Bishop  Fonsecagtvg  ^^^  ^^^  sent 

the  charts,  '"""^^'^''-'tken  to  intercept  the  great 

n-    .ttrharvesf  :h    1^  He  might  have  enjoyed 
explorer  m  the  ttarvesi  , ,        ^  j,is  ruffians  in 

bnt  for  the  ^^^^^'^^''l,^.  had  furnished 
Hispaniola.    The  paP'« '^         ^ ,     ^     sovereigns, 

srittTauTof"----'-"- 


gi 


<t,iStutiei*li3S»aS^«<»»**»'S*'**^^*''''° 


A MERICUS   VESrUCCIUS. 


413 


as  not  to  be 
IS  on  board 
pects  to  the 
,d  impart  to 
migbt  hear. 
;hat  the  Ad- 
t,  that  there 
,nd,  and  that 
nd,  was  so  ill 

a's   ships  he 
nee,  some  of 
*hey  repeated 
Qd  there  was 
;a,  authorizing 
)le  scheme  of 
jlowing  report 
e  Paria  region 
fisheries,  etc., 
ong  a  certain 
the  advantage 
imiral.     Their 
sed,  Ojeda  was 
xpedition,    the 
11  access  to  all 
mbus  had   sent 
-rcept  the  great 
It  have  enjoyed 
.  his  ruffians  in 
:a  had  furnished 
the  sovereigns, 
uguese  regions. 


ot  any  part  discovered  by  Columbus  previous  to  1495  ; 
but  as  the  Paria  coast  and  the  Pearl  Islands  had  been 
discovered  after  the  above  date,  that  great  and  wealthy 
region  was  purposely  left  open  to  this  company  of 
adventurers,  who  fitted  out  their  own  ships  and  con- 
trolled their  fortunes,  giving  only  a  certain  proportion 

to  the  crown. 

The  fleet  had  been  fitted  out  at  Seville,  where  many 
wealthy    speculators    assisted.       Among  those    who 
sailed  was  the  notable  Americus  Vespuccius,  then  a 
Florentine    merchant   in   that   city.      In  geography, 
navigation,  and  a  ready  use  of  the  pen  he  was  highly 
accomplished.     Indeed,  it  was  the  happy  use  he  made 
of  his  pen  in  describing  his  several  voyages  along  the 
coast  of  South  America,  and  his  work  as  chief  pilot  of 
Spain  and  cartographer  of  the  New  World,  which,  all 
unwittingly  on  his  own  part,  fastened  his  name'  for- 
ever  to   one-half    the   globe.      Here,  too,  was  Juan 
de  la  Cosa,  a  mariner  of  rare  skill,  who  had  sailed 
with  Columbus  on  his  first  voyage  and  in  his  trying 
explorations  along  the  south  side  of  Cuba.     He  was 
first   pilot  of  Ojeda's   fleet,   and  has   made    himselt 
famous  by  means  of  his  map  of  the  New  World,  which 
he  drew  on  a  large  ox-hide,  and  which,  beautifully 
colored  and  illuminated,  still  adorns  the  walls  of  the 
Royal  Museum  in  Madrid. 

Having  sailed  in  May,  i499,  the  'adventurers  had 
coasted  the  southern  continent  from  two  hundred 
leagues  east  of  the  Orinoco,  and,  following  in  the 
track  of  Columbus's  third  voyage  by  means  of  his 
charts,  they  had  passeddirough  the  Sejrpent'sMouth 

» See  Humboldt'*  Ex»men  Critique. 


414  ■' 

^nd  out  at  the  Mouth  ..f  the  DraRou,  visited  the  pearl 
r^ous,  and  discovered  the  T.ulf  of  Venezuela.  Touc  - 
uu-  at  the  Carihbee  IsUuuls,  thc-y  had  cucouutered  th 
a'tives  iu  ot.e  of  their  fierce  attacks,  atul  had  captured 
uauy  shu-es  for  the  markets  of  Spait,.  Their  supp^-s 
:„duK  low.  Ojeda^  had  sailed  fbr  H-pamol|^^  -uuk 
,„,de  the  tuost  extensive  voyage  up  to  that  tunc 
on  the  shores  of  the  New  W  orld. 

Roldan   bad  ....horcd  what    iufor.uafo,,    he   ecu 

to  sail  to  San  D<>mi..K<.  and  do  ho.nage    o  the  Ad- 
iral    he    rctnrned   to   that   place   to    make    report. 
Cohunhus  was  deeply  agK'-ved  ,0  learn  of  so  .er,o,,s 
,n  infringenient  of  his  rights  as  the  lleense  for  Ojeda  s 
vovaee  implied,  but  he  «onld  wait  patiently  for  the 
promi  ed    'sit  of  that  daring  adventurer   a..d   learn 
n  o  e  fullv  what  had  been  done.     Bnt  Ojeda's  prom.se 
rrbeen  made  only  as  a  means  of  e-pe  from  Koldan, 
and  not  with  the  least  intention  of  fnlfilment.     Hav- 
W  repaired  his  sqnadron  and  gathered  snppl.es  h 
"Itled  farther  along  the  coast  of  Zaragna  where  the 
Spaniards  who  resided  in  those  parts,  and  who  were 
not  specially  friendly  to  Columbus,  reee,vedh„n„.o. 
cordially  and  gave  him  whatever  he  needed.     These 
or  Wed  retels,  learning  OJeda's  jealous  feel.ngs 
towards   the   Admiral,   looked   upon   h..«   as   a   neu 
leader,  who  might  take  U|e^  plae^RrfdanJThey 

South  America.  ,        r\\.A„    »«  Havti    but 

.Ve.pucciuB  does  not  seem    to  h.ve  accompanied  Ojeda  to  Hayt,, 

returned  home  bv  another  route. 


were  low 
especial!} 
claimed, 
blooded  ' 
the  red re 
been  dri 
lunibus  1 
demand 
would  h 
island. 

These 

with  the 

rebels,  b 

plans.    1 

were  kil 

those  in 

this   tim 

resolute 

Ojeda in 

been   se 

affairs. 

plice,  E 

he  couk 

that   Re 

service 

kill   hii 

awake  i 

Ojedi 

his  fore 

to  the 

and  the 

dan  no 


fit 


<^»W3t«T*^S*SSlSJ£.fir*a!*Sr.Kr 


.^.-~j,,-f.fsx':ri<!!mm^mm~^^'^f^:'»^'^- 


r ,  -,.»i., -,»*;!riie--iW">^''*"'"' 


OJEIKA    iVliSS  IIHRO. 


415 


d  the  pearl 
a.'  Touch - 
lutered  the 
ad  captured 
eir  supplies 
iola,  haviuK' 
that  time 

11    he    could 
his  promise 

to  the  Ad- 
ake  report, 
f  so  serious 
e  forOjeda's 
nitly  for  the 
r,  and  learn 
da's  promise 
rom  Roldan, 
ment.     Hav- 

supplies,  he 
la,  where  the 
md  who  were 
^'ed  him  most 
eded.  These 
ilous  feelings 
m  as  a  new 
oldan.     They 


s  questionable  ma- 
along  the  coast  of 

)jeda  to  Hayti,  but 


ucrc  loud  in  their  clamors  against  the  government, 
especially  on  account  of  the  back  pay  which  they 
cliimcd  '  All  this  gave  a  vantage-ground  to  the  hot- 
blooded  Ojeda.  lie  would  now  play  the  hero,  and  be 
the  redresser  of  the  grievances  of  these  men,  who  had 
been  driven  to  desperation  by  the  cruelty  of  the  Co- 
lumbus brothers.  He  would  march  at  their  head  and 
demand  a  redress  of  their  wrongs,  and  the  Admiral 
would   have    to   pay    them   on   the   spot  or  leave  the 

island.  .      , 

These  heroic  propositions  by  Oieda  were  received 
with  the  most  enthusiastic  cheers  by  some  of  the  late 
rebels,  but  others  were  not  disposed  to  fall  m  with  his 
plans.'    Hence  arose  a  violent  quarrel,  in  which  several 
were  killed   and  others   wounded  on  both  sides.     But 
those  in   favor  of  Ojeda's   scheme  prevailed.     About 
this  time  Roldan   arrived   with  a  small    company   of 
resolute    men.      Intelligence    of    the    proceedings    of 
Ojeda  in  Zaragua  had  reached  San  Domingo,  and  he  had 
been   sent   by  the    Admiral  to   keep  a  close  watch  of 
affairs.     On  the  way  he  had  enlisted  his  old  accom- 
plice  Escobar,  who  was  to  aid  him  with  all  the  force 
he  could  collect.     The  late  rebels  in  Zaragua,  finding 
that  Roldan  had   been   hopelessly   converted   to   the 
service  pf  the  government,  undertook  to  waylay  and 
kill   him   while   on   his  march  ;  but  he  was  too  wide- 
awake and  quick  to  be  thus  entrapped*. 

Ojeda  knew  better  than  to  encounter  Roldan  and 
his  force  in  a  desperate  fight,  and  thus  oppose  himself 
to  the  royal  authority  with  no  adequate  end  in  view, 
and  therefore  found  his  way  back  to  his  ships.  Rol- 
dan now  besought  him   to   cease   his   irregularities, 


4i6 


SNA itr  i/'J '^'*^' '^ ^  A'/Av;. 


4: 


which  were  creatiiiK  s«>  much  disturbance,  and  conic 
ashore  to  make  peace.  Ojeda  would  not  venture 
within  the  reacn  of  one  so  crafty  and  vehement  as  h 
knew  Roldan  to  be.  On  the  other  hand,  he  sei/ed 
several  of  his  men  and  confined  them  "\;^-"^ ;'" 
board  his  vessel,  threatening  to  hauK  them  if  Roldan 
did  not  hand  over  a  certain  one-armed  sailor  who  had 

'^' After   a   Rood    deal   of  close    watchiuR   and   sharp 
manc^uvriiiK  on  the  part  of  both  these  shrewd  oppo- 
uents,  Ojeda's  ships  moved  away  to  the  province  of 
Caha;,  and  landing  with  forty  men  he  took  whatever 
he  wanted  by  force  from  the  kind-hearted  natives.     He 
was  soon  overtaken  by  Roldan  and  Escobar,  who  fol- 
lowed  along  the  shore.     In  a  canoe,  winch  was  made 
almost  to  skip  over  the  water  by  the  dett    nduui  pad^ 
dies  the  two  latter  approached  the  ships  of  Ojeda  and 
asked  of  him  that,  since  he  himself  dared  not  come 
ashore,  he  would  send  a  boat  and  bring  them  on  board 
one  of  his  ships  for  a  conference.     Ojeda  at  once  sent 
the  boat,  thinking  to  thus  get  Roldan   in  lus  power 
The  boat  came  near  to  the  shore  and  asked  Roldan  to 

come  to  them.  ,     ,    ,     ,  ^^ 

-  How  many  mav  come  with  me?"  asked  the  latter. 
"  Not  more  than  five  or  six,"  was  the  reply. 
Escobar  and  four  others  waded  to  the  boat,  which 
refused  to  take  any  more ;  but  Roldan,  getting  upon 
the  back  of  one  man  and  ordering  another  to  walk 
alongside  and  assist  him,  eight  in  all  got  in^  At 
once  Roldan  ordered  the  boat  to  row  to  shore.  \\  hen 
the  men  refused,  his  men  attacked  them  with  the 
sword,  and  wounding  some,  made  the  rest  prisoners. 


1^ 


-*.,-t^i*sjSF-=^=i*?'*.'"'^"P*-*'^-'^ '•■•'' '•■"^''■* 


;:.B,ViilUfi.fc; 


-^*w^?:i-V'^±K^'-i- '""'^^  '^'^ "''    -'W.*^' 


„wi%**!«B«aa«a«iMi».«^*wiw*  ■ 


FIX  A  I.  A  c.  HI-:  /•:  i//;  a'  /'. 


4« 


ice,  and  conio 
not  venlnrc 
hfincnt  as  he 
lul,  Ik-  seized 
in  irons  on 
-ni  if  RoUlau 
ailor  who  had 

1^   and   sharp 
shrewd  oppo- 
e  province  of 
took  whatever 
1  natives.     He 
:obar,  who  fol- 
lich  was  made 
ft  Indiiin  pad- 
5  of  Ojeda  and 
ared  not  come 
them  on  board 
la  at  once  sent 
in  his  power, 
iked  Roldan  to 

iked  the  latter. 

reply. 

he  boat,  which 
a,  getting  upon 
mother  to  walk 
.11  got  in.  At 
3  shore.  When 
them   with   the 

rest  prisoners. 


One  Indian,  however,  plunged   under  water  and  swam 

iiway. 

Roldan  had  gained  his  point,  for  Ojeda  must  have 
his  long-boat.  ICntcring  his  small  boat,  which  remained 
with  his  chief  pilot  and  four  oarsmen,  the  latter  came 
near  the  shore.  Roldan  entered  the  long-boat  just 
(.a])tured,  with  some  twenty-lwo  men,  twenty  more 
awaiting  his  orders  on  the  land,  and  made  ready  to 
meet  him.  Keeping  at  a  safe  distance  from  eacli  other, 
thcv  exchanged  some  sharp  words.  Ojeda  said  that 
Rofdan  had  come  with  men  under  arms  in  order  to 
seize  him,  and  therefore  he  had  a  right  to  defend  him- 
self. This  the  latter  denied,  and  promised  that  all 
should  be  well  if  the  former  would  present  himself 
before  the  Admiral  at  San  Domingo. 

Finally  there  was  an  agreement.  The  boat  was  to 
he  restored  and  the  prisoners  exchanged — all  but  the 
(inc-armed  deserter,  who  had  made  his  escape — if  Ojeda 
would  immediately  leave.  But  when  he  sailed  he 
threatened  to  come  again  with  more  men  and  more 
ships.  Vox  some  time  Roldan  kept  watch,  lest  Ojeda 
sliould  not  depart  after  all.  Very  soon  he  heard  that 
he  had  landed  farther  along  the  coast  and  he  imme- 
diately followed  with  eighty  men  in  canoes,  others 
acting  as  scouts  along  the  land.  But  before  he  could 
overtake  him,  Ojeda  had  sailed  again ;  only  after  he 
had  made  up  a  drove  of  slaves,  however,  to  be  sold  on 
his  arrival  at  Cadiz. 

This  visit  of  Ojeda  at  Hispaniola  is  a  very  naughty, 
\\'^\y  incident  in  the  life  of  one  who,  though  unfortu- 
naLe  in  the  end,  might  otherwise  have  passed  into 
history  as  a  brave  and  interesting  character,  who  ren- 


4i8 


REBELLION  AGAIN. 


tf  I 


% 
I 


dercd  much  good  service  in  au  important  age  of  the 

^™Thi:  s^cSu,  attack  o„  Ojeda  by  the  late  rebels 
was  a  grand  first  step  toward  their  reinstatement  m  the 
lubUc  confidence.     Being  so   nnacenstomed  to   good 
deeds  they  took   great  credit  to  themselves  made  a 
{or  d  ^oise  over  their  loyalty  and  great  servtces,  and 
S  Roldan  to  give  them  land  that  they  m.,ht  make 
them   estates    in   the   delightful   provmce   of  Caha 
But  the  late  rebel  leader  wished  to  make  good  h.s 
professions  of  reform,  and  win  a  good  name  for  obed  - 
Lee  to  authority,  so  he  gave  them  some  of  his  own 
^Ss  in   Zaragua  to  quiet  then,  till  he  eould  confer 
vrih  the  Admiral  as  to  their  request.     In  answer  to 
Roldan's   letter,  asking  permission   to  come  to  San 
DonC  Columbus  expressed  his  most  sincere  thanks 
for  that   leader's  farthfulncss  and  success  m  dnv„,g 
awav  the  enemv,  but  asked  him  to  rema.n  yet  longe 
hrzlragna,lestOjeda  should  still  be  l.ngenng  about 
the  coast  with  view  to  further  mischief. 

V,  bad  blood  is  sure  to  breed  a  sore  somewhere,  so 
the    v^l  nature  of  some  of  the  late  rebels  soon  founc 
oc  asion  for  another  insurrection.      This  time    thy 
found  their  centre  of  interest  in  the  romance  of  a  love 
Iffar     There  had  recently  come  to  the  island  a  young 
cLlierof  a  d-tinguished  family   named  Don  Her- 
nando de  Guevara.     A  cousin  to  Adrian  de  Moxica,  he 
was  as  dissolute  in  habits  as  he  was  elegant  and  fasci- 
nating    in    manners,  and  had  been  so  licentious    at 
&i  Domingo  that  the  Admiral  ordered  him  to  leave 
fh    i°and.  'Having  reached  Zaragua  too    ate^o  take 
passage  in  Ojeda's  ships,  he  found  refuge  with  Roldan, 


.,*S,»t«*»<S«k;™W»*«''-'-"   ' 


-X-'ii.*.-V^"'-'A#'^*.^^'. 


'ija.iiAi(«*swa*:'-'*fe  ■*■* 


3r>,;T4.-®««s»»%v«wsaii«t'««w>«***''* 


THE  INDIAN  BEAUTY. 


419 


mt  age  of  the 

Lhe  late  rebels 
tatement  in  the 
tomed  to    good 
iselves,  made  a 
it  services,  and 
ley  niii,ht  make 
ince   of  Cahay. 
make  good  his 
name  for  obedi- 
ome  of  his  own 
he  could  confer 
In  answer  to 
to  come  to  San 
;t  sincere  thanks 
ccess  in  driving 
main  yet  longer 
;  lingering  about 

:f. 

re  somewhere,  so 
ibels  soon  founc 
This  time    they 
■omance  of  a  love 
le  island  a  young 
named  Don  Her- 
■ican  de  Moxica,  he 
elegant  and  fasci- 
so  licentious    at 
;red  him  to  leave 
la  too  late  to  take 
!fuge  with  Roldan, 


who  was  disposed  to  show  him  favor  on  account  of  his 
relationship  to  his  old  friend  De  Moxica.  and  so  per- 
mitted the  vonng  cavalier  to  choose  his  place  of  resi- 
dence until  the  Admiral  should  give  further  orders 
concerning  him.  That  point  in  Cahay  where  Roldan 
had  captured  Ojeda's  boat  was  chosen,  as  it  was  near 
to  Zaragua.  the  home  of  those  of  his  acquaintance  and 
relationship.  This  was  also  a  sort  of  sporting  point, 
where  de  I^Ioxica  kept  his  hawks  and  hounds. 

Through  Roldan  he  was  introduced  to  the  famous 
Anacaona,  with  whose  beautiful  daughter,  just  passing 
into    womanhood,    he    became    desperately   in    love. 
Hence  when  the  occasion  for  his  departure  arrived  he 
was  not  inclined  to  go.     Roldan,  who  Las  Casas  thinks 
was  himself  in  love  with  the  Indian  beauty,  became 
peremptory,  and  demanded  that  Guevara  should  leave. 
Anacaona,  to  whom  the  Spaniards  were  always  objects 
of  the  strongest  fascination,  was  pleased  with  the  antici- 
pated   match,  and  encouraged   the  young  cavalier  to 
linger  at  her  house.     He,  meanwhile,  sent  for  a  priest 
to  baptize  his  intended  bride.     Roldan  now  sent  for 
Guevara  and  rebuked  him  severely  for  taking  advan- 
tage  of  the  friendship   and   affection   of  this   distin- 
guished native  family,  and  again  he  ordered  him  to 
depart.     Guevara  pleaded  good  intentions  and  begged 
leave  to  remain,  but  Roldan  could  not  be  persuaded, 
saying  the  Admiral  might  misunderstand  the  matter, 
and  great  evil  come  of  it. 

The  young  cavalier  left,  but  three  days  was  the 
longest  separation  from  the  Indian  beauty  which  he 
Lould  endure.  Then  he  returned  with  five  friends,  and 
managed   to   be   hid  away  in  Anacaona's  house.     A 


'4nS•Ni«S^^i^M^»■" 


GUEVARA'S  REVENGE. 

420 

severe  attack  of  inflamed  eyes  confining  Roldan  at  the 
time,  he  sent  word  at  once,  on  hearing  of  Ins  yonng 
friend's  retnrn,  ordering  him  to  leave  ^ns/aufrr.     This 
time  the  young  cavalier  pnt  on  an  air  of  defiance  a^d 
warned  Roldan   not  to  make  foes  m  this  critical  hotir, 
when  he  might    need  the  aid  of  ^^«/"^^^^'.f !  ^^^f 
Admiral    was  certainly   abont    to   take   off  his  head. 
Roldan   now  ordered  him  to  appear   at   once    before 
the  Admiral  at  San   Domingo.      At  this  stern  order 
the  young  lover  wilted,  and  begged  for  permission  to 
remain  a  little  longer.     Roldan  granted  the  request. 

But  Guevara  resolved  10  take  revenge  on  the  man 
who  had  dared  to  thwart  his  passion,  and  so  began  at 
once  to  make  a  party  among  the  more  incorrigible  of 
Roldan's   former   accomplices,   who,  as   Irving   says, 
-  detested  as  a  magistrate  the  man  they  had  idoh.ed 
as  a  leader  "      By  a  sudden  rise  they  would  either  put 
Roldan  to  death  or  put  out  his  eyes      But  he  dis- 
covering the  plot,  arrested  Guevara  and  seven  of  hs 
friends  in  Anacaona's  house,  and  reported    them    to 
the  Admiral,  saying  that  he  was  not  able  to  judge  the 
case    impartially.       Columbus    ordered     the    young 
cavalier  to  be  confined  in  the  fortress  at  San  Domingo. 
Now  the  smouldering  embers  of  the  old  rebellion  were 
fanned  into  a  flame.     Adrian  de  Moxica,  resolving  to 
rescue  his  cousin,  called  on  Requelme  at  Bonao  and 
they  tog-' her  soon  rallied  their  old  comrades,  settled  in 
the  neighborhood,  in  defence  of  their  young  favorite 
and  his  pretty  bride  /«  prospeau.     Why  should  Rol- 
dan, now  become  tyrant,  prevent  such  a  happy  mar- 
riage-one  which  might  be  a  benefit  to  the  colony? 
Down  came  the  old  weapons  of  rebellion  from  the  walls, 


,<ii(»*'jfiS»«»1 


msiifmm^imsmsimmmmmmmmmiim'imm 


MOXICA  IS  HUNG. 


421 


Loldan  at  the 
3f  his  young 
'anter.     This 
defiance,  and 
critical  hour, 
ends,  for  the 
off  his  head, 
once    before 
s  stern  order 
permission  to 
the  request, 
re  on  the  man 
id  so  began  at 
ncorrigible  of 
Irving   says, 
r  had  idoh'zed 
)uld  either  put 
But  he,  dis- 
l  seven  of  his 
rted    them    to 
A  to  judge  the 
d     the    young 
San  Domingo, 
rebellion  were 
a,  resolving  to 
:  at  Bonao,  and 
-ades,  settled  in 
young  favorite 
hy  should  Rol- 
1  a  happy  mar- 
to  the  colony  ? 
I  from  the  walls, 


and  a  body  of  reckless  men  on  horseback  were  ready 
for  any  deeds  of  violence  which  might  rescue  their 
favorite,  and  secure  the  death  of  Roldan  and  the  Ad- 
miral. The  latter,  now  at  Fort  Conception  and  thus 
in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  plot,  set  out  at  night, 
with  six  servants  and  three  esquires,  for  the  quarters 
of  the  ringleaders,  who,  encouraged  no  doubt  by  the 
leniency  shown  to  them  in  the  recent  insurrection, 
were  completely  off  their  guard.  Moxica  and  several 
of  his  chief  confederates  were  taken  and  lodged  in 
Fort  Conception.  After  all  the  outrages  which  Co- 
lumbus had  suffered  from  these  turbulent  men,  and 
the  utter  inappreciation  they  had  shown  for  his  recent 
toleration,  it  is  not  at  all  surprising  that  he  now 
determined  upon  heroic  treatment.  Moxica  was  to  be 
hanged  from  the  top  of  the  fortress.  As  he  wished 
to  confess  before  dying,  a  priest  was  sent  for  ;  but 
thoin/^  he  had  been  so  vaunting  and  arrogant  as  a 
re^^/  :  lad  no  courage  in  the  face  of  death.  He 
woulv.  jegin  his  confession  and  then  hesitate,  and 
then  begin  again,  as  if  to  gain  time  for  some  possible 
chance  of  rescue.  Finally  he  began  to  accuse  of 
criminality  others  who  were  above  suspicion.  Co- 
lumbus, out  of  patience  with  such  cowardly  treachery, 
ordered  the  miserable  wretch  to  be  swung  off. 

This  new  departure  was  vigorously  kept  up.  In 
prison  irons  several  of  Moxica's  associates  awaited 
the  execution  of  their  death  sentence.  Requelme 
and  those  quartered  with  him  at  Bonao  were  taken 
to  San  Domiugo,  where  they  made  company  for 
Guevara,  the  cause  of  the  rebellion.  The  rest  of  the 
rebels  fled  to  Zaragua.      Don  Bartholomew,  aided  by 


I 


OliDJSli  IS  RESTORED. 

Han,  pursued  them  «th  ^^^^^^^"^^ 
enercv.       Very   soon   seventeen   of  these  reo 
S    awaited  their  trial  in  one  d-'-'g^"' •  ^"^^^^^^ 

on  the  part  of  Colnn.bus  xvere  of  no  avail. 

Good   order   was   once   more   ^--'°'f-}^^Jl 
irritated    Indians   took    warning,   and    sntantted    to 
aTt horVty      Some  of  them  became  sufficient  y  ctv^tze 
r  out  on   clothes   and  to  adopt  Chnstian.ty      Tl  e, 
assi'sl     he   indolent  Spaniards   in   eult.vattng    th. 
ta„d  ,  and  a  settled  prosperity  began  to  appear      Had 
he  Adtniral  and  Viceroy  now  been  allowed  to  pursm 
hi!  D^-ns  without  interruption,  no  doubt  a  new  era  o 
'^d';overnment   and   general   improvement    nngh 
we  enstted.     But  there  was  to  be  no  opportuiuty  lo 
ri^sc  entific  discoverer  to  reap  the  harvest  vvh.ch  he 
hal  so  truly  earned.     Those   plans   wh.eh   were  to 
evenwate   it'  his   utter  disgrace  and  overthrow  as  a 
ruler  were  already  maturing. 


wiftuess  and 
se   rebellious 
son,  and  still 
;  seem  severe, 
•prise   of  this 
Aug   the  New 
;he  despicable 
rits,  and  that 
ring  measures 

1. 

d.      Even   the 

submitted  to 
iently  civilized 
tianity.  They 
ultivating    the 

appear.  Had 
owed  to  pursue 
ibt  a  new  era  ol 
>vement  might 
opportunity  for 
arvest  which  he 

which   were  to 

overthrow  as  a 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

BOBADILLA  SENDS  COLUMBUS  HOME  IN  CHAIWS. 

|0W  bitterly  cruel  that,  while  Columbus  was 
patiently    contending    with     such    idleness, 

licentiousness,  cruelty,  and  seditioir  as  broke 

up  every  line  of  his  operations  in  the  New  World,  this 
wicked  element  should  have  had  its  correlated  forces 
working  with  most  fl^ital  effect  in  the  court  of  Spain, 
thus  completely  demoralizing  the  confidence  he  had 
inspired  and  subverting  his  entire  system  of  coloniza- 
tion. Very  reluctantly,  indeed,  especially  in  the  case  of 
Isabella,  did  the  royal  coni^dence  give  way.  But  the 
continual  dropping  of  water  e\'en  will  finally  wear  away 

the  rock. 

And  still  the  cry  against  the  Admiral  and  his  brothers 
continued.  All  the  ship-news  from  the  Indies— and  it 
was  important  in  those  days — reiterated  the  same  thing. 
The  disappointed  speculator,  the  humiliated  hidalgo, 
the  expelled  criminal— all  told  the  oft-repeated  items. 
Letters  from  those  who  could  not  return  confirmed  them. 
The  points  of  accusation  are  clearly  expressed  by  the 
Admiral's  son,  who  was  then  a  page  in  the  royal  house- 
hold, and  whose  wounded  feelings  w6uld  but  too  clearly 
receive  the  indelible  impressions  of  the  hour,  which  he 
so  candidly  related  in  after  years.  He  says,  "  Many  of 
the  rebels  by  letters  from  Hispauiola,  and  others  that 
were  returned  into  Spain,  did  not  cease  to  give  in  false 
information  to  the  King  and  his  council  against  the  Ad- 


MANY-SIDED  A  CCVSA  TIONS. 

424 

mirul  and  his  brothers,  saying  they  were  cruel  and  unfit 
for   that   government,    not    only   because    they   were 
strangers  and  aliens,  but  because  they  had  not  formerly 
been  in  a  situation  to  learn  by  experience  how  to  govern 
people  of  quality,  affirming  that  if   their  highnesses 
did  not  apply  some  remedy  those  countries  would  be 
utterly  destroyed,  and  if  they  were  not  quite  ruined  by 
their  ill-government  the  Admiral  would  revolt  and  joiu 
in  league  with  some  prince  to  support  him,  since  he 
pretended  that  all  was  his  own,  for  it  had  been  discovered 
by  his  industry  and  labor,  and  that  the  better  to  compass 
his  design  he  concealed  the  wealth  of  the  country  and 
would  not  have  the  Indians  serve  the  Christians,  nor  be 
converted  to  the  faith,  because  by  making  much  of  them 
he  hoped  they  would  be  on  his  side  and  do  what  he 
might  wish  against  their  highnesses." 

Here  we  may  see  how  many-sided  and  dishonest  was 
this  bitter  attack  upon  Columbus.  A  little  while  before 
his  enemies  were  making  a  special  point  on  what  they 
regarded  as  his  cruelty  to  the  natives.  Now  they  make 
an  equally  sharp  and  much  more  dangerous  point,  by 
claiming  that  by  indulgence  and  caressing  of  this 
simple-hearted  people  he  is  courting  their  alliance  m  an 
anticipated  revolt  against  the  sovereigns  of  Spam. 

And  the  grave  charge  of  a  design  on  the  part  of  Co- 
lumbus to  alienate  the  Indies  from  the  authority  of 
Spain  however  preposterous,  niusi  have  been  made  very 
prominent,  for  in  his  letter  to  the  nurse  of  Prince  Juan 
he  refers  to  it  in  the  most  affecting  and  pathetic  lan- 
guage. "  Although  I  am  an  ignorant  man,"  said  he, '  I 
do  not  imagine  that  any  one  supposed  me  so  stupid  as 
not  to  be  aware  that  even  if  the  Indies  had  belonged  to 


\!^r^fi^^^^i^^^ 


.j^y^a«SfliS*e«fe'>^**'""    '"' 


me   I  c{ 

of  some 

better  s 

the  Kin 

have  ra 

the  grea 

the  sea? 

househo 

in  loyali 

as  showi 

he   cont 

maliciou 

ject  I  CO 

The  ( 

been   th; 

of    Solo: 

common 

Now,  sir 

abundan 

another 

because  ■ 

profitabli 

those,"   ! 

home   ar 

embez^ili; 

the  Gen( 

with  crin 

been  beli 

recently 

the  Adm: 

and  in  m 

vanity. 


COL  UMnuS'S  RE  PI.  T. 


425 


lel  and  unfit 
they    were 
lot  formerly 
)w  to  govern 
highnesses 
;s  would  be 
e  ruined  by 
;olt  and  join 
im,  since  he 
;u  discovered 
;r  to  compass 
country  and 
itians,  nor  be 
inch  of  them 
do  what  he 

ishonest  was 
;  while  before 
an  what  they 
3W  they  make 
ous  point,  by 
;sing  of    this 
alliance  in  an 
of  Spain. 
le  part  of  Co- 
:  authority   of 
een  made  very 
f  Prince  Juan 
pathetic  lan- 
n,"  said  he, "  I 
e  so  stupid  as 
ad  belonged  to 


me  I  could  not  support  myself  without  the  assistance 
of  some  prince.  Since  it  is  thus,  where  should  I  find 
better  support  or  more  security  against  expulsion  than  in 
the  King  and  Queen,  our  sovereigns,  who  from  nothing 
have  raised  me  to  so  great  an  elevation,  and  who  are 
the  greatest  princes  of  the  world,  on  the  land  and  on 
the  sea?"  Then  referring  to  the  fact  that  his  son  was  in  the 
household  of  the  sovereigns,  thus  binding  his  own  heart 
in  loyalty  to  them,  which  loyalty  they  had  appreciated, 
as  shown  in  the  honors  they  had  bestowed  upon  him, 
he  continues :  "  If  I  have  now  spoken  severely  of  a 
malicious  slander,  it  is  against  my  will,  for  it  is  a  sub- 
ject I  could  not  willingy  rlecall  even  in  my  dreams." 

The  cry  of  the  Admiral's  enemies  had  all  along 
been  that  there  was  no  gold  in  this  pretended  Ophir 
of    Solomon.      Noblemen,   mariners,    gentlemen,  and 
common  people  made  a  jest  of  his  great  expectations. 
Now,  since  gold  was  unquestionably  being  found  in 
abundance,  they  began  to  turn   the  tide  of  scandal  in 
another  direction.     Not  only  did  laborers   complain, 
because  they  must  work  for  wages  instead  of  the  more 
profitable  arrangement   of   shares,   but    "there   were 
those,"  says  Bernaldez,  "who  wrote,  and  who  came 
home   and   told   the    King  and   Queen,  that   he   was 
erabezdmg  the  gold,  and  that  he  wished  to  give  it  to 
the  Genoese,  and  many  other  stories,  charging  him 
with  crimes,  the  least  of  which  it  ought  not  to  have 
been  believed  that  he  would  commit."     Gold  had  but 
recently  been   found  in  considerable  quantities ;  and 
the  Admiral  had  been  accumulating  it  both  in  amount 
and  in  masses,  with  feelings  of  gratification  and  even 
vanity.     If,  as   Bernaldez  says,  "  he  delayed  sending 


S^n^4>««Si^ 


1 


426 


ESCirKMENT  IN  SPAIN. 


the  gold  to  the  King  somewhat  longer  than  he  should 

have  done,"  it  was  only  that  he  might  himself  bring 

to  the  sovereigns  his  specimens,  "  as  large  as  the  eggs 

of  a  goose  or  fowl,  and  many  other  sizes,  which  had 

been  collected  in   a   short  space  of  time,  in  order  to 

please    their    Highnesses,    and    that    they    might    be 

impressed  with    the    importance   of    the    affair    when 

they  saw  a  great  number  of  large  stones  loaded  with 

gold.'"     Then  he  would  report  to  them  ''  a  revenue  for 

twenty  years,  which  is,  according  to  man's  calculation. 

an    age,'"    and   show   them  how  in    the   Indies  "they 

gather  gold  in  such   abundance  that  there  are  people 

who,  in  four  hours,  have  found  the  equivalent  of  five 

marks."  /-»  i       u 

The  charge  of   arrears   on  the  part  of   Columbus 

toward  those  serving  the  sovereigns  under  him   was 

pressed  even  to  a  most  disgraceful  issue.    Says  Fernando 

Columbus,  "When  I  was  at  Granada,  at  the  time  the 

most    serene    Prince   Michael  happened  to  die,  above 

fifty  of  them,  like  shameless  wretches,  brought  a  load 

of  grapes,  and  sat  down  in  the  court  of  the  Alhambra 

(a  castle  and  palace),  crying  out  that  their  Highnesses 

and  the  Admiral  made  them  live  so  miserably  by  not 

paying  them,  with  many  other  scandalous  expressions. 

And  their  impudence  was  so  great  that  if  the  Catholic 

King  went  abroad  they  all  got  about  him,'  crying,  '  Pay, 

pay:     And  if  it  happened  that  my  brother  or  I,  who 

were   pages   to   her    Majesty,  passed  by  where   they 

were,  they  cried  out  in  a  hideous  manner,  making  the 

sign  of  the  cross,  and  saying,  '  There  are  the  Admhal 

I  Letter  of  Columbus  to  the  nurse  of  Prince  Juan. 
•  Caught  hold  of  his  robe,  some  say. 


FONSE  CA '  S  JiWFI.  L  'FXL  E. 


427 


lan  he  should 
himself  bring 
re  as  the  eggs 
;s,  which  had 
;,  in  order  to 
ey  might  be 
;  affair  when 
s  loaded  with 
'  a  revenue  for 
's  calculation, 
Indies  "  they 
ere  are  people 
ivalent  of  five 

of  Columbus 
uder  him  was 
Says  Fernando 
at  the  time  the 

to  die,  above 
brought  a  load 

the  Alhambra 
eir  Highnesses 
iserably  by  noi 
LIS  expressions, 
if  the  Catholic 
i,^  crying,  '  Pay, 
)ther  or  I,  who 
by  where  they 
er,  making  the 
ire  the  Admiral 

ice  Juan. 


of  the  mosquito's  sons,  he  that  has  found  out  false  and 
deceitful  countries  to  be  the  ruin  and  burial-place  of 
the  Spanish  gentry,'  adding  many  more  such  insolencies, 
which  made  us  cautious  of  appearing  before  them.'" 

It  is  true,  that  against  all  this  tide  of  slander  there 
was  an  occasional  letter  from  Columbus  stating  the 
facts  of  his  trying  situation,  and  showing  that  the 
troubles  of  the  island  did  not  arise  from  errors  on  his 
part,  but  out  of  the  nature  of  the  undertaking  and  the 
great  depravity  of  the  men  about  him.  But  the  wily 
and  bitter-spirited  Fonseca  controlled  all  communica- 
tions, and  could  put  them  into  such  relations  before 
tlie  court  as  suited  his  enmity  towards  the  Admiral. 
Then  there  remained  the  stubborn  and  unfortunate 
fact  that,  while  the  draught  upon  the  royal  treasury 
to  support  the  enterprise  in  the  Indies  was  immense, 
tlie  fleets  had  returned  almost  empty,  bringing  only 
slaves  and  golden  promises. 

It  is  easy  to  see  how  the  jealous  mind  of  Ferdinand, 
always  open  to  suspicion  in  respect  to  this  enterprise, 
begun,  as  it  were,  under  his  protest,  and  constantly 
eaviled  at  by  the  courtiers,  who  felt  themselves  out- 
shone by  this  sudden  glory  of  a  foreigner,  should  now 
give  way  to  the  general  sentiment  of  contempt  for  the 
Admiral.  Even  Isabella,  so  ardent  in  her  admiration 
of  the  noble  achievements  of  her  hero  of  the  ocean  seas, 
must  needs  yield  to  some  extent  to  the  incessant 
clamor  of  all  parties.  If  the  knocking  down  and 
kicking  of  Breviesca  at  Cadiz  had  shaken  her  faith  in 
his  humane  spirit  as  a  ruler,  she  was  still  more 
deeply  wounded  by  the  ship-loads  of  enslaved  Indians 

1  Life  of  Colon  by  his  son,  cap.  85. 


,u.rf.*^=iKi^B..  -,■<■->.   < 


FliANCISCO  nOHADlLLA. 

,,e  continued  '"/™\7  ^^'  ^i,  „oecut,  kind-hearU.d 
pr.,tc.sWUo,.  .«  favor  "^    'f;;;'         ij^.tiaUy   under 

n,ake  thoron.h  ■."?-"8"";'"  „•,„"„  he  natives, 
rebellion,  .he  -'"l'"""  ^'^  .V  ^.d  partiettlarly  the 
'"^  -r^irn^thod:  of  go::;mnent  Z  Colun,bus  and 
^■^'"loSfer  Who  night  be  the  person  to  nndc. 
his   brotntrb.       >wi  b  delicate,    so   un- 

take  a   commission    so   difficult     so   dedicate 

.  ^     vv>.o  but  Don  Francisco  Bobadilla,  ot  the 

„,iU.ary  and  «>f  "^^T^^^*^^  ''^^  ;,<,,  after   referring 
of  anthonty  da^ed  ^^ -^     -t,    499.  ^^.^^^^ 

at  length   to   the    aimcu  ^....^^gif  of  what  has 


needed 

as  the 

be  able 

author 

If  tl 

matter 

into  a 

overaw 

have  b 

tained 

service 

would 

been  t 

cannot 

letter 

would 

have 

fatigU' 

for  cal 

which 

care  m 

their 

doing 

spoke: 

/  have 

day,  i 

Wil 

would 

of  in( 

in   th 


BLIND  PROCEEDINGS. 


429 


standing  lier 
kind-Ueartcd 
itially  under 
le   felt  a  par- 

e,  along  with 
IS  come  when 
the  Indies  to 
irs — Roldan's    ' 
f  the  natives, 
rticularly  the 
Columbus  and 
son  to  under- 
licate,    so   ini- 
badilla,  of  the 
the  knights— 
His  first  letter 
after   referring 
Daniola,   reads; 
;lf  of  what  has 
■e  that  revolted 
Lise  they  did  so, 
lave  committed, 
ur  inquiries  to 
;  when  the  in- 
aiown,  you  will 
er  they  may  be, 
)u   will   proceed 
jent,  both  civilly 
L  such  fines  and 

)le." 

nd   if    Bobadilla 


needed  help  in  his  difficult  work  it  was  but  reasonable, 
.as  the  .sovereigns  further  demanded,  that  he  should 
hf  able  to  call  the  Admiral  and  all  other  persons  in 
authority  to  his  assistance.' 

If  the  sovereigns  could  have   known   precisely  how 
matters  in  Hispaniola  at  that  very  time  were  coming 
into  a  state  of  submission  to  the  Admiral— the  natives 
overawed  and  the  rebels  subdued— why  would  it  not 
have  been  well  if  they  had  come  to  his   aid  and  sus- 
tained him  through  the  crisis  ?     In  view  of  his  great 
services,  good  motives,  and  peculiarly  bitter  trials,  it 
would   seem  that   such   a  course    would  merely   have 
been  the  part  of  justice  as  well  as  discretion.     We 
cannot  but  feel   the  force  of  Columbus's  words  in   his 
letter  to  Prince  Juan's  nurse :  "  If  their  Highnesses 
would  condescend  to  silence  the  popular  rumors,  which 
have  gained   credence   among  those  who  know  what 
fatigues  I  have  sustained,  it  would  be  a  real  charity  ;  '^ 
for  calumny  has  done  me  more  injury  than  the  services 
which  I  have  rendered  to  their  Highnesses  and  the 
care  with   which   I  have  preserved  their  property  and 
their  government  have  done   me  good  ;  and  by  their 
doing   so  I  should  be  established  in  reputation  and 
spoken  of  throughout  the  universe, /c'r ///r  things  which 
I  have  accomplished  arc  such  that  they  must  gain,  day  by 
day,  in  the  estimation  of  mankind ^ 

Without  doubt,  the  best  way  of  sustaining  Columbus 
would  have  been  to  appoint  a  competent  commission 
of  inquiry.  Thus  far  the  sovereigns  had  taken  a  step 
in   the  right   direction  ;   but    unfortunately,  as    they 

«  See  Navarrete,  Col.  Doc.  Dipl.,  cxxvii. 

»  Instead  of"  charity"  we  would  say  ''justice." 


i^isMm»^i»:iM^r:v^»**^"^'«^'^-<'''*^*^'''' 


COLfrA/Zirs  AS  A  RVLKR. 

,„ukvt.kmK^  c„lnmbus  .s  .  man  an.l  a  ."lev, 

seen  in  llic  nwlst  of  "";  ""  "        .„,i,,e,-  thcv   %vcrc. 

,.,        r,   L    ^  TVTMrtvr    it    tllC    COUrt,  Of,  11K»-    A-"i^  '^'^         ' 

rtic  „™e.  the  "-".-'--ttrt^rt  ^ 
"""'r;^^;i,e'^:a  ":::rHl'p:ntr::uni.c  native 

of  the  \\«;  J"'';;^^';'  goverun-ent  of  the  Admiral 
consequence  "f  "'J  f^;^^  ,,  „,„i„g  of  the  Gordia» 
and  Viceroy.     Bj  th,s  sn  u  j'agn.ent   "f  fom 

knot  they  attempt  to  rc\ersi.  tne  3     b 

"  But  fcarefnl  examination  of  the  ways  and  means  of 


COL  I  MJJ  US  A  .V  A  1<  UL Eli. 


4.^1 


r  the  great 

r  aftcnvards 
elf,  alike  in 
latc    to    tlu- 

and  ;\  ruk'V, 
and  coiiiino- 
they  were, 
^as  Casas,  in 
lot  only  as  a 
;es  accordini^ 
iscly  loyal  at 
I  generations 

^•icws.     Evi-'ii 
of  documents 

uence  Irving- 
alters    of  the 
''  an  amiable 
fine  impartial 
he  same  catc- 
rican   writers, 
c  most  critical 
selves  the  dis- 
Lud  the  natives 
^as  simply  the 
f  the  Admiral 
of  the  Gordian 
gtnent    of  four 

s  and  means  of 

ails  to  find  the 

coimseis  for  La 


Navidad  would  all  have  been  the  very  best  assurance  of 

success  if  they  liad  not  been   subverted  by  the   heincms 

conduct  of  the   ij^arrison.     His  plans  and  methods   of 

oloni/.atton  were  sound  and   practicable  as   far  as  can 

now  be  learned;  and  if  he  came  into  disfavor  with   the 

hidalgos,  ecclesiastics,  speculators,  and  laborers  of  his 

time,  it  would  seem  to  have  been  because  his  conceptions 

of  industry,  frugality,   and  self-denial  were  too  far  in 

advance  of  the  idleness,  pride,  and  profligacy  of  those  about 

him.     The  Spaniards  hated  him  for  very  much  the  same 

reason  that  the  Jamestown  colony  detested  John  vSmith. 

They  would  rather  beg  corn  of  Powhatan  than   blister 

iheir  hands  in  growing  it.      Surely  the  government  of 

Columbus  does  not  suffer  when  compared   with   that  of 

Bobadilla  and  Ovando. 

It  will  probably  be  some  time  before  the  world  will 
'Aithhold  its  sympathy  and  admiration  from  one  having 
rendered  the  service  of  Columbus  to  the  present  age,  as 
well  as  for  the  strictly  scientific  method,  not  to  speak  of 
the  courage  and  energy,  in  which  and  by  which  the 
grand  result  was  achieved. 

As  we  have  seen,  the  commission  given  by  the  .sov- 
ereigns to  Bobadilla  in  March  was  fair  enough.  Indeed, 
it  was  not  only  necessary,  but  every  way  in  accordance 
with  Columbus's  own  request ;  for  he  always  courted 
investigation  of  the  troubles  in  the  Indies  by  some  proper 
[royal  representative,  and  now  he  was. emphasizing  the 
request  in  respect  to  the  conduct  of  Roldan  and  his  con- 
federates. He  wished  the  sovereigns  to  send  out  some 
thoroughly  learned  and  competent  justice,  who  might 
I  judge  these  and  all  other  cases  impartially. 

But  on  May  21st,  scarcely  two  months  later,  other 


■«»i«e«WVftCT-*-M«»«»»f«i»a»««^'«««'*»"'"»' 


-,ts«ii*i-»ia*>!»*S5«««=S".'-*'»*«**''"»'* 


432 


FUNCTIONS  OF  BOIiADILLA. 


letters  were  added  to  the  commission,  giving  wholly  a 
new  scope  to  the  functions  of  Bobadilla,  and  placing 
Columbus  entirely  at  his   mercy.      Nothing  new  had 
occurred.      No  new  intelligence  had  arrived.      What, 
then,  is  the  explanation  of  this  change  in  the  powers  of 
the  commissioner?      Evidently  the  cabal  of  the  Admi- 
ral's deadly   enemies   at   court   had   been   busy.      To 
merely  investigate  was  not  enough  in  a  case  so  desperate 
and  so  far  away.     There  was  no  time  to  lose.     If  Boba- 
dilla should  find  it  necessary,  after  full  investigation,  to 
suspend  the  rule  of  the  Admiral  a:'d  his  brothers,  it 
would  be  perilous  to  put  off  that  act  until  another  com- 
mission could  be   sent  out  only  after  this  one  had  re- 
turned.    Why  not  give  the  present  com;uissioner  a  dis- 
cretionary power,  to  be  used  in  case  of  necessity  ?     To 
bring  the  generous  and  confiding  heart  of  the  Queen 
to  this  extreme  measure  probably  required  time.     She 
appreciated  the  services  of  Columbus,  which,  if  gold 
and  costly  gems,  pearls  and  silken  fabrics  were  not 
forthcoming  as  might  have  been  expected  from  India, 
had    at    least    added    unprecedented    lustre    to    the 
Spanish  crown.     If  he  had  erred  in  some  things,  per- 
chance for  want  of  experience  or  because  he  did  like 
others,  as  in  the  case  of  enslaving  the  natives,  he  was 
evidently    loyal    and  conscientious.     Would  any  one 
else  do  better  under  such  trying  circumstances  ?     But 
even   Isabella   was  won  over  after  a  time,  and   con- 
sented to  the  enlarged  powers  of  the  commission. 

"To  the  counsellors,  judges,  magistrates,  cavaliers, 
gentlemen,  officers,  and  inhabitants  of  the  colony,"— 
so  ran  the  address  of  one  of  the  royal  letters  of  May 
2ist  which  announced  BobadiHa  as  governor-general 


JLLA. 

,  giving  wholly  a 
lilla,  and  placing 
slothing  new  had 
arrived.      What, 
e  in  the  powers  of 
abal  of  the  Adnii- 
been   busy.      To 
I  case  so  desperate 
to  lose.     If  Boba- 
1  investigation,  to 
d  his  brothers,  it 
mtil  another  coni- 
r  this  one  had  re- 
)ni;uissioner  a  dis- 
jf  necessity?     To 
art  of  the  Queen 
quired  time.     She 
ms,  which,  if  gold 
fabrics  were  not 
)ected  from  India, 
;d    lustre    to    the 
some  things,  per- 
ecause  he  did  like 
he  natives,  he  was 
Would  any  one 
:umstances  ?     But 
a  time,  and   con- 
commission, 
ristrates,  cavaliers, 
of  the  colony,"— 
;'al  letters  of  May 
s  governor-general 


BOBAD/LLA'S  FUNCTIONS. 


433 


of  the  Indies,  with  civil  and  criminal  jurisdiction,  and 
then  continued — "  We  order  and  command  all  cavaliers 
and  other  persons  now  on  these  islands  or  arriving 
hereafter  to  quit  them  if  the  said  commander,  Fran- 
cisco Bobadilla,  judge  it  necessary  for  our  service, 
and  not  to  return  thither,  but  to  repair  immediately 
to  us.  For  this  purpose,  by  our  present  letters,  we 
confer  on  him  all  necessary  powers,  and  order  every 
one  to  obey  his  orders  at  once  without  waiting  to  con- 
sult us  or  to  get  further  instructions,  and  without  ap- 
peal, under  such  penalties  as  he  may  impose  in  our 
name,"  ^  etc.,  etc. 

The  other  letter,  designating  Columbus  simply  as 
the  Admiral  of  the  ocean,  orders  him  and  his  brothers 
to  surrender  every  royal  possession  and  appurtenance  of 
the  island  to  the  new  governor,  under  the  penalties  ap- 
pointed for  those  refusing  to  obey  such  orders  given  by 
the  King.  Five  days  later  the  sovereigns  addressed  a 
letter  directly  to  the  Admiral,  ordering  him  to  believe 
and  obey  whatever  Bobadilla  might  demand,  and  to 
make  his  power  as  unlimited  as  possible  the  monarchs 
signed  blanks  which  he  might  fill  out  and  use  at  his 
discretion.  We  shall  hereafter  see  that  he  used  them 
in  the  most  unwarrantable  manner. 

These  letters  conceded  everything  for  the  ruin  of  Co- 
lumbus which  his  bitterest  enemies  might  demand. 
Now  it  simply  remained  to  so  instruct  and  influence 
Bobadilla — himself,  perhaps,  a  member  of  the  vindictive 
cabal  at  court — to  precipitate  matters  without  due  inves- 
tigation; in  other  words,  to  prejudge  the  case;  then 
the  guilty  culprits,  who  might  well  dreai  the  results  of 

'  Navarrete  Col.  Doc.  Dipl.,  cxxviii. 


*■■?ww«^;5t4t^i**K-^  ^**t^EKSS«*'w^»«.*r-* 


i,-^..-s.ji.(^  ■■:  i*»^a^;  , 


. , .  INDIAN  SLA  VES  RE  TURNED. 

a  thorough  and  impartial  inquiry,  would  at  once  escape 
iustice  and  secure  their  victim. 

Still  the  commission  was  delayed.     But  m  the  follow- 
ing autumn  the  ships  arrived  with  the  returned  rebels, 
bringing  the  slaves  which  the  straitened  circumstances 
had  "compelled  Columbus  to  allow  the  haughty  insur- 
gents, as  well  as  those  they  had  carried  away  by  force 
after    they   left    him.       Among    these    were   decoyed 
daughters  of  the  caciques,  some  of  whom  were  about 
to  become  mothers,  and  others  had  infants  in  their  arms. 
The  motherly  heart  of  the  Queen  rose  in  indignation 
for  was  not  every  one  of  these  unhappy  slaves  handed 
over  by  the  Admiral  ?     So  it  was  falsely  claimed,  and 
so  she  no  doubt  believed.      This,  then,  was  the  drop 
which  caused  the  cup  to  overflow.     Las  Casas  says  that 
the  Queen  was  so  incensed  at  the  sight  of  these  slaves 
that  had  it  not  been  for  her  high  sense  of  the  eminen 
service  of  Columbus  she  would  at  once  have  brought 
him  into  disgrace.     "  What  right  has  the  Admiral  to 
give  away  my  subjects?"  she  exclaimed  and  at  once 
ordered  them  sent  back,  allowing  those  of  the  former 
shipments  to  remain  only  because  they  had  been  taken 
as  lawful  captives  in  war.     Then  had  not  the  Admira 
iust  asked  to  have  the  lease  for  enslaving  the  Indians 
continued  a  while  longer?      And   all   this   after  her 
repeated  protestations !  ,   r    o     • 

Near  the  middle  of  July,  1500,  Bobadilla  left  Spam 
for  San  Domingo.  His  two  caravels  bore  twenty-five 
soldiers  enlisted  for  a  year,  and  six  friars  to  take  charge 
of  the  returning  slaves  and  to  evangelize  the  natives 
At  daybreak  of  August  23rd  these  caravels  appeared 
just  outside  San  Domingo,  tacking  as  they  awaited  the 


,t  once  escape 

;  in  the  foUow- 
turned  rebels, 
circumstances 
laughty  insur- 
away  by  force 
were   decoyed 
in  were  about 
s  in  their  arms, 
n  indignation, 
slaves  handed 
y  claimed,  and 

was  the  drop 
;:asas  says  that 
of  these  slaves 
of  the  eminent 
;  have  brought 
the  Admiral  to 
ed,  and  at  once 
;  of  the  former 
had  been  taken 
ot  the  Admiral 
ing  the  Indians 

this   after  her 

idillaleft  Spain 
bore  twenty-five 
rs  to  take  charge 
ize  the  natives, 
iravels  appeared 
;hey  awaited  the 


BOBADILLA  ARRIVES. 


435 


breeze  from  off  the  sea  to  bring  them  into  the  harbor. 
The  Admiral,  that  he  might  restore  peace  and  order  as 
completely  as  possible,  was  at  Fort  Conception  in  the 
midst  of  the    thickest  population  and  near  the  place 
where  the  last  move  of  the  rebels  h'ld  been  made.     The 
adelantado  and  Roldan  were  in  Za-c^gua  for  the  same 
purpose.     Don  Diego  was  therefore  in  command  at  San 
Domingo.     He  supposed  these  white  sails,  seen  in  the 
horizon  from  the  fortress,  were  bringing  victuals  and 
ammunition    from   vSpain,   and    as   the   Admiral    had 
asked  the  sovereigns  to  send  out  his  son  Diego,  might 
he  not  also  be  on  board  ?     At  once  a  boat  was  i;ent  out 
to  make  inquiries.     Bobadilla  appeared  in  person  on  his 
ship  to  announce  himself  a  commissioner  sent  out  by 
the  King  to  investigate  the  affairs  of  the  late  revolt, 
aud  to  say  that  Diego  was  not   on  board.      He  then 
asked  the  news  and  learned  of  Moxico's  sequel  to  the 
rebellion  of  Roldan — his  punishment,  and  that  of  his 
accomplices — seven  rebels  hanged  in  one  week.      He 
also  ascertained  how  Requelme  and  Guevara,  now  in 
prison,  awaited  their  execution.     In  short,  he  got  an 
epitome  of  the  news  in  general.     At   no  time  in  the 
history  of  the  rule  of  Columbus  could  one  have  found 
in  the  Indies  a  state  of  things  more  calculated  to  con- 
firm prejudice  as  to  the  cruelty  so  long  alleged  against 
him.     Behold  those  Spaniards  dangling  on  gibbets,  one 
on  either  side  of  the  habor — the  ghastly  faces  familiar, 
possibly,  to  him  or  to  some  of  his  men  !     Was  not  all 
this  quite  enough  to  move  the  blood  of  a  man  capable 
of  seeing  but  one  side  of  a  case,  and  that  side  already 
pretty  clear  to  him  before  he  left  Spain  ? 
The  little  town  of  San  Domingo  was  all  alive  to  the 


^36  BOBADILLA  IN  THE  HARBOR. 

new  comers      A  commissiouer  to  investigate  the  affairs 

TheTs    nd  1     Knots  gathered  here  and  there  to  d.s- 

1  ft^r     The   ^niltv  were  in  fear  and  trem 

in  frf,t    thev  l.ad   suffered   wrong-espeaally    those 
S:gr'-laelcof  pay-aU  .ere  i„  lug  ■  g^-  for 

1  W  his  ship,  Usteuing  to   the  "ports  -^^^^^'^^ 

ue^^ett-Ligh^t  to  ^f^^^::^:^. 

?t^^^ie;^;-rrfts^ 

arrest  and  punish  the  guilty  aecordmg  to  the  full  r«o 
of  the  law      The  letter  being  read,  he  ordered  Don 
of  the  law.      \  ^  j;      „^^r  to  him  Reqnelme, 

""oZZ^l^ToZr  prisoners,  with  the  evMenees 
against  them.  Their  accusers,  and  those  who  had 
afr  sted Tm.  must  also  appear.  Don  D>ego  replied 
Aatte  was  a  ting  under  the  Admiral,  whose  powers 


•7?. 

te  the  affairs 
there  to  dis- 
ar  and  trem- 
,   those   who 
i^cially    those 
ligh  glee,  for 
"  ?     A  whole 
ravel  bearing 
one  wished  to 
ilia  remained 
lorts  and   the 
1.     Of  course, 
rho  were  there- 
Admiral,  had 
y  to  go  ashore 
case. 

y  and  in  order, 
owers  on  land- 
The  Admiral's 
t  persons  in  the 
mt  out   of  the 
lad  gathered  in 
■  March  21st  in 
I  requested  him 
ebellion,  and  to 
to  the  full  rigor 
le  ordered  Don 
D  him  Requelme, 
X\\  the  evidences 
those  who  had 
n  Diego  replied 
J,  whose  powers 


BOBADILLA  ASSERTS  HIMSELF. 


437 


were  greater  tlian  those  of  Bobadilla.  If  the  latter 
would  give  him  a  copy  of  the  royal  letter,  he  would  for- 
ward it  to  his  brother,  who  alone  could  answer  to  this 
demand.  He  had  no  discretionary  power  in  the  matter. 
Bobadilla,  with  great  disdain,  refused  to  give  a  copy  of 
the  letter  to  one  ivho  could  do  nothitig\,  and  closed  with  a 
violent  threat.  If  he  had  no  authority  as  a  commis- 
sioner, he  might  have  as  governor.  They  should  soon 
learn  that  he  had  a  right  to  command  them  all,  the 
Admiral  not  excepted. 

Appearing  at  the  church  again  the  next  morning,  he 
had  concluded  to  assume  al  a  bound  that  high  authority 
which  had  been  implied  in  his  commission  only  as  a 
last  resort — in  case  of  the  Admiral's  extreme  culpa- 
bility, as  established  after  the  fullest  and  most  careful 
investigation.  The  crowd  at  the  door  was  larger  than 
on  the  day  before,  and  they  were  all  a-tiptoe  to  catch 
the  final  word  from  the  new  magistrate.  On  coming 
out  from  mass,  in  the  presence  of  Don  Diego  and  the 
notables  of  the  town,  the  notary  read  Bobad ilia's  letters 
of  the  advanced  commission,  given  May  21st,  which 
appointed  him  governor-general  of  the  Indies.  He 
then  took  the  accustomed  oath  of  office,  and,  thus 
invested  with  the  highest  authority,  again  demanded 
the  prisoners  in  the  fort.  The  answer  given  was  the 
same  as  before. 

This  aroused  Bobadilla's  wrath,  especially  since  he 
saw  that  Don  Diego's  firmness  had  its  effect  on  the 
people.  He  then  produced  the  royal  order  command- 
ing the  Admiral  and  those  under  him  to  surrender  the 
forts,  vessels,  and  all  else  pertaining  to  their  Majesties' 
service ;  and  that  there  might  be  nothing  lacking  to  in- 


g  OPPOSITION  BT  MIGUEL  DIAZ. 

personal  accounts.  consequence  of 

This  «  point  carned^^^^^^^^^  column 

the  low  estate  of  the  t«as'u-y  ^^^  ^^^.^ 

ef  arrears  dtje  many  of  "-^ /=  "^,„,„„,t,atio„  of 

lond  shouts  of  ='PP'S"f•,,,,y''^„  demanded  the  sur- 
the  popular  favor,  Bobaddla  aga m  de  ^^^^^ 

render  of  the  F^o^''^'^"^. X"',  ^^for  old  Castile 
Appealing  to  the  '"V;  \^,f,  *™risoners,  he  made 
and  their  sympathy  for  "'^  J"""    8  l-  f^^,„ 

his  way  to  the  fort  to  'ake  ,1  by  fo-^;/f^„'„,,,i  by  all. 
curiosity  or  a  disposition  to  •"<>.«*  p;  j^e  same 
The  fort  was  in  the  c— d  of     ignel^  ^^^^^^^^  .^ 

notable  person  who,  l'f""g  "f"       ^^^^^  of  the  female 
danger  and  disgrace  l.d  won  the^heart  ^^^^^_     ^^ 

cacique  and  reported  '»=  g°  j  ^  ^,,3  empty 

stood  on  the  top  of  the  wall  f   ^'  "^'°^J      ^„d  when 
fort,  with  but  a  single  coiiipan  on  a^^  ^,^^  ^^^ 

the  call  came  for  hmi  to  s«rende^  ^^_^  ^^^^^^ 

ground  of  refusal  as  Don  Diego  "a  ^^^j 

tas  of  some  length,  Dia.  protest  ng  Aa^  ^^^       ^ 

fort  nnder  the  high  "''^'""'^"ff.t.tt^l  and  danger; 
gainedthateo„ntryat.hecost<rfsw  at  toy     ^  ^^^^^^ 

while  BobadiUa  reiterated  ^'^  "fr,„I  to  make  one 

the  royal  seals.     Now  tj^  -^^J -J^^'  every  kind  cl 
laugh,  for  Bobadilla  and  h.  e  owd,    ^^^^^  ^^^  ^^.^,    I 

e^g\rlfrarS-g:"i.-ofthousand.| 


Forr 
ecute 
chain 
turn< 
Bo 
hous( 
fact,  < 
who 
of  th 
othei 
gain 
the 


I 


i..*.»sae.'i**Wi*'"H 


of  May  30tli, 
:  iu  the  royal 
uare  his  own 

lonseqiieiice  of 
I  long  column 
There  were 
nionstration  of 
anded  the  sur- 
ifvised  as  before, 
for  old  Castile 
soners,  he  made 
md,  either  from 
followed  by  all. 
1  Diaz,  the  same 
le  adelautado  iu 
rt  of  the  female 
jf  Hayna.     He 
osed  and  empty 
i  side ;  and  when 
-  took  the  same 
me.    The  parley 
that  he  held  the 
Umiral,  who  had 
, toil,  and  danger; 
jrity  and  showed 
ough  to  make  one! 
nth  every  kind  of 
storm  and  shiver 
3Ut  naked  savages,! 
lad  been  attacking 
ison  of  thousands. 


BOBADILLA  IN  COLUMBUS'S  HOUSE.     439 

For  might  not  these  prisoners,  .ondemned  to  die,  be  ex- 
ecuted any  moment  ?  They  were  brought  out  in  their 
chains  and,  having  been  asked  a  few  questions,  were 
turned  over  to  an  officer  named  Espinosa. 

Bobadilla  now  took  possession  of  the  Admiral's 
house,  appropriating  his  wares,  furniture,  plate,  gold— in 
fact,  everything,  even  to  his  most  secret  papers.  Those 
who  crowded  around  him,  claiming  arrears,  he  paid  out 
of  the  money  he  found  ;  for  it  is  easy  to  pay  debts  with 
other  people's  money,  especially  when  we  can  thereby 
gain  an  immense  popularity.  The  next  great  step  to 
the  popular  favor  was  a  proclamation  of  liberty  for 
every  one  to  gather  what  gold  he  could  for  the  next 
twenty  years,  paying  only  an  eleventh  part  to  the 
crown  instead  of  a  third.  Now  there  would  be  a 
stampede  to  the  mines,  and  it  would  not  be  long  before 
every  one  would  be  rich ! 

Rumor  of  what  was  going  on  soon  reached  Colum- 
bus  at  Conception.     He  could  not  believe  that  any 
such    transactions    were   authorized    by   the    crown. 
Surely  these  were  the  acts  of  some  private  adventurer 
like  Ojeda.     But  for  a  stranger  to  proclaim  himself 
governor  of  the  island,  to  take  forcible  possession  of 
the  forts,  the  prisoners,  and  his  own  house,  and  threaten 
to  send  him  to  Spain  in  irons — all  this  was  too  astound- 
ing to  take  place  as  a  mere  prix^te  adventure.     He 
would  at  least  go  to  Bonao  and  so  be  a  little  nearer  to 
this  confusion.     Here  an  officer  brought  him  a  copy  of 
Bobadilla's  letters  of  authority.     The  last  letter,  how- 
ever, commanding  the  acquiescence  of  Columbus,  was 
kept  back.     Was  the  new  official  beginning  to  discover 
the  rashness  of  his  procedure  ? 


i_.KV.*«^SWlfc*0'«^i'i*'- f"^/^ 


44° 


COLUMBUS  IN  CHAINS. 


To  prevent  this  sudden  overll.ow  of  things  and 
seeure  a  chance  for  reflection,  Columbus  songht  to 
gain  tinte  by  writing  a  sort  of  t-"PO-..»|  le"er  to 
BobadiUa,  saying  he  would  soon  ''^'ve  for  Spatn  and 
he  would  then  pass  everytung  over  '"  ^^"^f^^ 
He  wrote  also  in  some  similar  way  to  the  Franciscans 
"ho  h^  just  come  over,  and  with  whom  he  regarded 
Wmself  is  more  or  less  affiliated.    But  neither  party 

"1r;hli:t;ead  of  putting  the  late  rebels^n  trial 
n.  tl,e  first  duty  implied  in  his  commission,  was  using 
tXZ  tl  the'royal  seal  in  gathering  thejr  test^ 
mony  against   Columbus.      The  latter  was  about  to 
rZlirce  his  perpetual  prerogatives,  -  '  --  -^.h 
could  not  be  revoked,  when  he  received  the  final  letter 
Tm  tic  sovereigns,  commanding  his  f  mi^n  a,o„8 
with  BobadiUa's  orders  to  ^PP^"'"  ^^f"'' /""'"' °"", 
Now  his  duty  was  plain.    He  at  once  set  out,  almost 
tiuatteiided,  for  San  Domingo. 

H    found  his  brother  Diego  -l-^'lv '"  ^^"^'"^  °" 
one  of  the  caravels,  and  BobadiUa  was  bustling  abo  it 
beating  up  an  armed  force,  which  he  supposed  would 
bHecisary  in  order  to  compel  the  A  mira    to  co. 
to  terms     But  the  latter  came  as  quietly     as  a  lamb 
t:  the  slaughter;"    -vbereupon  BobadiUa    without  ^ 
word  of  explanation,  put  him  in  irons  and  thrust  him 
Is  a  prisoner  into  the  grim  old  fort,  which  stiU  frowns 
outifpon  fr.e  river,  and  from  which  men  still  watcl, 
thpproaching  ships  as  Don  Diego  did  the  sails  o 
BobadiUa,     Las  Casas  says,   "He  was  an  impudent 
and  shameless  cook  that  riveted  the  irons  on  his  mas- 
ter's feet  with  the  same   alacrity  and  readiness  as 


THE  THREE  BROTHERS  IN  PRISON.      441 


tilings,  and 
s  sought  to 
ing  letter  to 
•  Spain,  and 
o  his  hands. 

Franciscans 

he  regarded 

aeither  party 

ebels  on  trial 
on,  was  using 
ng  their  testi- 
was  about  to 
i  those  which 
the  final  letter 
lUiission,  along 
e  him  at  once. 
;et  out,  almost 

r  in  chains  on 
bustling  about, 
ipposed  would 
imiral  to  come 
tly  "  as  a  lamb 
11a,  without    a 
ind  thrust  him 
ich  still  frowns 
nen  still  watch 
did  the  sails  of 
s  an  impudent 
ons  on  his  mab- 
id   readiness  as 


though    he    were  serving   him    some    sa\ory  dish.     I 
knew  the  wretch,  and  think  his  name  was  Kspinoza." 
But  Bobadilla  was  ill  at  ease  so  long  as  the  brave 
adelautado  was  abroad  with  an    armed  force,  so  he 
demanded  the  Admir.a  to  advise  him  by  letter  to  come 
in  and  surrender.     In  compliance   with  this  request. 
Don  Bartholomew  was  urged  to  submit  quietly  to  the 
authority  of   the  sovereigns,  assuring  him    that  their 
best  hope  of  a  just  hearing  would  be  in  Spain.     The 
advice  was  taken,  and  the  brave  adelautado,  who  had 
so  often  risked  his  life  in  the  interests  of  the  colony, 
was  at  once  loaded  with  irons,  and  confined  in  a  cara- 
vel apart  by  himself.     Thus  the  three  brothers  were 
kept  entirely  separate,  and  not  only  would  Bobadilla 
not  so  much  as  see   them  or  in  any  way  communicate 
with  them,  but  all  others  were  forbidden  to  do  so  under 
the  severest  penalties. 

Having  thus   placed   the  three   outraged   brothers 
beyond  the  possibility  of  making  any  self-defence,  he 
set  himself  to  work  to  accumulate  evidences  against 
them.     Instead  of  investigating  the  late  rebellions  and 
the  heinous  conduct  of  the  many  who  had  necessitated 
severe  punishments,  he   evidently  had   no  sense   of 
duty,  except  to  convict  and  displace  the  viceroy.     To 
this  end  he  called  in  as  witnesses  the  late  rebels— in 
fact,  all  malcontents  and  mutineers,  even  to  the  lowest 
rabble  of  the  island.     Instead  of  these  wicked  men 
being  made  to  feel  the  sting  of  their  own  guilt,  which 
had  caused  the  disorders  and  miseries  of  the  com- 
munity, the  way  was  made  as  easy  and  as  inviting  as 
possible  for  them  to  be  the  accusers  and  defamers  of 
the  man  they  had  so  shamefully  injured.     The  conse- 


FALSE  CHARGES. 

nf  their  own  covetous  rapines,  their  hornd 
qnences  of  tl'e>r  own  ^ssions  of  the  help- 

liccntiousness,  and  'f "  ,""^'  ^^^.^^ee  of  the  Admiral 
less  natives  v.ere  all  latd  ^^  ^-  f  ;X.al  eomplauU- 
and  his  brothers      l;rom  ^^^^^^^^^^d  the  hidalgos 

,ow  this  ^v-x^;^Xm^^  "--1  -^-- 

of  Sp^un  to  soil  and  blister  tneir  ^^^ 

to  the  latest  ^--^^^T^"^  ^^^^^  authority 
natives  to  aid  him  -^^^;^^^^,  aptly  says, 
of  Spain-at  -  -^^\^;^  ^^^J'^  •,  bottomless  pit  must 
"  Satan    from   th     depth   ^J  ^^^^  ,,,,,a  up 

l,ave  grimly  smucd-a^w-  ^^  their 

anew,   without   a    ^^^     "But  ealumny,"  says 

lardueci      ^^^^^^^J;        ^i^dering  the  natives'  eouver- 
he  was  charged  with  ^^"^^^^  J'  „^^^,,,,e   the 

n^iiic   nrriisation   enaDies   u&    tu 
""."•  -.rnd  baseness  with  whieh  not  only  the  acts 
audacity  and  baseness  shamelessly 

but  even  the  motives  oi  Col"»™=J^  „ai„„s 

distorted,  falsified,  ^^Jl^^tZ^^^...  ravages 
and  guilty  aspect.    The  '"•"■;■'  Christians, 

of  mature  age  had  shown  a  «f  ' '»  ^J^^^,  ^^re  dis- 
and  the  missionaries,  with  '1  "^f '^^^^^'^^^ 
posed  to  satisfy  the.r  w.^tes    t  ^-^^'j^^^^^^.^, 

wisely  judging  that  it  was  an  ^^^^ 

to  bestow  it  W'ndb'O"  'hjfi^  comer      ^^^^^^_^^^^ 
their  baptism  deferred  "■"'',       rri,ri«ianitv     For 

least  in  the  f";'i-':'f  '™t,  IfJ^^  L^'t  mass 
the  rest,  in  "^der  to  judge  of  tie  value  0 

of  calumnies  and  f  ^"^f."'"f ' '  '^.^^ "o  the  Indians, 
r  ^^id  ttvtd  atd  rJs^ef  thtm  in  order  to 
'urr:  at  Oie^roW  time  against  the  government; 


-j-WtoKWiaiww*****''* 


THE  REBELS  AS  WITNESSES. 


443 


their  horrid 
;  of  the  help- 
■  the  Admiral 

complaint — 

the  hidalgos 
menial  toil — 

to  incite  the 
the  authority 
ke  aptly  says, 
iless  pit  must 
and  served  up 

oppose   their 
ilumny,"  says 
judcnce  when 
itives'  couver- 
,   measure   the 
;  only  the  acts 
re  shamelessly 
le  most  odious 
t  some  savages 
ome  Christians, 

zeal,  were  dis- 
ut  the  Admiral, 
f  the  sacrament 
er,  had  ordered 
re  instructed  at 
iristianity.  For 
;  of  all  that  mass 
3Ugh  to  consider 

to  the  Indians, 
hem  in  order  to 
the  government ; 


others  that  he  intentionally  persecuted  them  by 
tyranny  and  bloody  wars,  in  order  to  have  a  pretext  for 
stripping  them  of  "everything  they  owned  and  selling 
them  as  slaves  to  get  money/' 

Bobadilla  admitted  "  the  rebels,  his  enemies,  as  wit- 
nesses,"   says    Fernando   Columbus,    "and    publicly 
favored  all  that  came  to  speak  ill  of  them  (the  Admiral 
and  his  brothers),  who  in  their  depositions  gave  in  such 
villainies   and  incoherences  that  he  must  have  been 
blind  who   did  not   plainly  perceive  that  they  were 
false  and  malicious.'"     "In  short,"  adds  Mr.  Fiske, 
"  from  the  day  of  his  landing  Bobadilla  made  common 
cause  with  the  insurgent  rabble,  and  when  they  had 
furnished  him  with  a  ream  or  so  of  charges  against 
the  Admiral  and  his  brothers  it  seemed  safe  to  send 
these  gentlemen  to  Spain." 

Columbus,  in  hi.s  close  confinement,  was  left  to  con- 
jecture the  causes  of  hisiarrest.     No  charges  had  been 
preferred,  no  explan.itions  given.      He  was  spared  the 
humiliation  of  seeing  the  "  many  scandalous  libels  set 
up  at  corners  of  streets  against"   him,  but   he  could 
hear  the  hoots  and  jeers  of  the  rabble  outside  and  the 
"  blowing  of  horns  about  the  port."     But,  in  the  midst 
of  all  this  shameless  persecution,  where  is  the  governor, 
sent  out  to  put  down  insurrection  and  rebellion  ?     Does 
he  notice  James  Ortez,  governor  of  the  hospital,  as  he 
reads  his>orrid    libel  publicly  in  the  market-place  ? 
Certainly*;  but  instead  of  the  word  of  rebuke,  he  has  a 
look  of  complacency.     Aye,  here  in  the  cheerless  prison 
sits  the  indefatigable  discoverer  of  the  New  World, 
loaded  with  iron,  stripped  even  of  his  necessary  cloth- 

1  Fernando  Columbus,  cap.  86. 


444 


ALONZO  PE   VILLEGO. 


i 


*t 


invr  Nvithont  inclicluKMil  or  trial  while  the  most  lusty 
vc-i)cls  and  the  vilest  cri.nituUs  are  not  otily  acquitted 
without  the  semhlauce  of  a  trial,  but  are  exalted  lu  the 
pul)lic  favor  as  those  who  dared  to  resist  tyrauuy  and 

misrule.  . 

No  doubt  Bobadilla  designed  to  be   very  discreet  in 
his  choice  of  the  mari  who  was  to  take   the  noted  pris- 
oners to  Spain.     Here  was  Alon/.o  de  YillcKo,  who  had 
just   come  out  with   him.      This   noble  youth  was   a 
nephew  of  Cervantes,  Fonseca's  friend,  and  a  protcK^e  of 
Ihi  bishop's  own  household.      He  would   safely  deliver 
the  Genoese  tyrants  in  chains,  either  to  Lonseca  or  to 
his  uncle.     But  VillcRo  was  too  just  and  magnanimous 
to  be  measured  by  the  ugly  narrowness   and  cruelty  o 
Bobadilla,  or  to  be   influenced  by  the  bitter  enmity  of 
Fonseca      "  Alonzo  de  Villego  was  an  hidalgo  of  noble 
character,  and  my  particular  friend,'^  says  Las  Casas. 

-  Villego,   whither  are  you  taking  me  ?      inquired 
Columbus,  startled  from  his  sad  prison  reverie.  ^^ 

"  To  the  ship,  my  lord,  on  which  we  are  to  embark, 
was  the  reply,  in  tones  of  respect  and  cordiality. 

"  To  embark,  Villego  ?    Is  what  you  tell  me  the  real 
truth?"  cried  the  Admiral,  in  a  tone  of  surprise;  for 
he  was  expecting  to  be  led  to  the  scaffold.^^ 
"  On  my  honor,  my  lord,  it  is  the  truth." 
The  Admiral's  deep,  expressive  eye  kindled  with  joy. 
for  he  seemed  to  be  stepping  out  of  an  ignominious 
grave  into  the  free  light  of  life.     The  good  Las  Casas 
gives  us  this  affecting  bit   of    colloquy,  which  he,  no 
doubt,  received  from  the  lips  of  Villego. 

Early  in  October  the  caravels  left  the  harbor,  bearing, 
along  with  the  criminals,  an  immense  bundle  of  accu- 


f 


-^i*«): --*i  -^B!^Mflij*i*»*W*?*-^c.' 


.  /  .^^^nii0r-^^^^«ttWi'°''i*^i'^J^' 


fi^lf*  ••  .iV**«W»t^' 


r J:*»*kMflSN*r*s^ -»*^'' 


THE  HOMEWARD   VOYAGE. 


445 


L«  most  lusty 

ily   acquitted 

x;iltcd  iu  the 

tyrauuy  aud 

y  discreet  in 
e  noted  pris- 
cjTo,  who  had 
youth  was   a 
i  a  prote^^e  of 
safely  deliver 
L^onseca  or  to 
magnanimous 
md  cruelty  of 
ter  enmity  of 
lalgo  of  noble 
1  Las  Casas. 

ired 


■>  " 


inqui 


;vene. 

le  to  embark," 

•diality. 

ell  me  the  real 

f  surprise ;  for 


ndled  with  joy, 
u  ignominious 
jood  Las  Casas 
,  which  he,  no 


larbor,  bearing, 
)uudle  of  accu- 


sations in  the   form  of  legal  documents  and    private 
letters,  the  latter  being  sent  by  many  of  the  colonists 
iu  approving  attestation  of  the  proceedings  of  IJobadilla. 
They  were   barely  out  at   sea,  however,  when  Villcgo, 
ur.l  Andre/.  Martin,  the  master  of  the  ship,  approaching 
the  Admiral  with  profound  respect,  offered  to  remove  his 
chains.      "No,"   was  his    reply;   "I   appreciate   your 
good-will,  but  cannot  accede  to  your  proposal.      Their 
Majesties  wrote  to  me  to  submit  to  everything  Bobadilla 
might  command  in  their  name.      It  was   in  their  name 
he  loaded  me  with  these  chains,  and  I  will  carry  them 
till  the  King  and  Queen  order  them  taken  off.     In  the 
future  I  will  keep  them  as  a  token  of  the  recompense 
bestowed  on  my  services.'" 

"  Ever  afterwards  I  used  to  see  them  in  his  chamber,"'"' 
says  Fernando,  "  and  when  he  was  about  to  die  he 
wished  them  to  be  buried  with  him." 

The  weather  was  fair  and  the  wind  favorable,  and  in 
a  little  more  than  a  month  the  prisoners  were  in  Spain, 
having  received  the  most  kindly  attention  from  the 
gentlemen  in  charge.  When  the  tall,  stately  figure  of 
the  gray-haired  man,  reminding  one  of  the  descriptions 
of  the  senators  of  ancient  Rome,  appeared  in  Spain, 
loaded  down  with  the  prison  chains  of  the  vilest  crimi- 
nal, the  reaction  of  public  sentiment  was  immense,  and 
the  outburst  of  indignation  was  so  great  that  the  sov- 
ereigns soon  found  it  necessary  to  disclaim  all  responsi- 
bility in  so  palpable  an  outrage.  Whatever  the  mis- 
takes of  Columbus  might  have  been,  to  send  him  home 
from  the  New   World  he  had  discovered  through   so 

I  Las  Casas,  Hist.  Ind.,  lib.  i,  cap.  clxxx. 
»  Fernando  Colombus,  cap.  Ixxxvi. 


^^:kw«:!i^u»w 


P; 


446 


COLUMBUS-S  LETTBJi. 


•t' 


„,.ch  risk,  hardship,  andperil,  loaded  down  1°  "^""s- *^^ 
"finitely  too  nmch  for  common  sense  and  common 
sympathy.  Bobadilla,  representing  Fonseca  and  the 
'es7of  the  Admiral's  enemies,  had  shot  beyond  h.s 

"Tn  his  complete  humiliation,  Columbus  did  not  ««■ 
ture  to  address  the  sovereigns,  but  his  deeply  affecting 
etter  to  the  nurse  of  Prince  Juan-the  intimate  fneud 
of  the  Qneen-would  be  suificiently  direct.    Its  bum. 
hi  appeals,  so  deeply  founded  in  the  facts  of  the  case 
"SeTnough  to  bring  up  the  blush  from  the  coldest 
heirt     No  one  can  read  this  letter  without  the  pro- 
foundest  feelings  of  compassion  ;  and  if  the  narrative 
is  sometimes  incoherent,  as  being  the  utterances  of  a 
"hrowu  into  a  tempest  of  emotion  rather  than  the 
studied  statements   of  cool  reason,  they  are  only  the 
more  affecting.    In  advance  of  all  other  commumcations, 
Z  itr  was  sent  secretly  by  express  to  the  court. 
T^e  mages  in  the  picture  might  be  somewhat  broken, 
but  on  the  whole  it  was  a  faithful  mirror  of  the  pano 
rrma  of  the  late  outrage  and  persecution.     Isabel  a  was 
veTnigh   heart-broken.       Even   the  cool,   calcu  atmg 
^trdilfand  was  intensely  moved.      Most  emphrt 
d-savowing  the  rash  and  cruel  proceedings  of  Bobadilla, 
and  announcing  that  he  had  gone  contrary  to  their  in- 
stmctions,  they  did  not  even  wait  for  his  files  of  accu- 
sat"n,bu;  immediately  ordered  the  P-oners>  chain 
stricken  off  and  that  they  should  be  treated  with  he 
utmost  respect.     A  very  cordial  1'"- -=;"^';: 
to  Columbus,  expressing  their  "°q»»l'fi^d  displeasure 
at  the  indignities  and  sufferings  he  had  endured  and  in 
t^t  ng  Wm  to  appear  at  court.    This  invitation  was 


"    ^^sgt^.^i^V-^iSS^^S^.8««»^*^^^'* 


-  ^,^,fi^,^^.^«^*H»<^<&'*««>*'^'^»«*^^ 


in  irons,  was 
md  common 
seca  and  the 
:  beyond  his 

did  not  ven- 
eply  affecting 
itimate  friend 
:t.  Its  burn- 
s  of  the  case, 
ni  the  coldest 
bout  the   pro- 

the  narrative 
itterances  of  a 
•ather  than  the 
r  are  only  the 
mmunicatious, 
.  to  the  court, 
ewhat  broken, 
)r  of  the  pano- 
.     Isabella  was 
ol,   calculating 
5t  emphatically 
gs  of  Bobadilla, 
ary  to  their  in- 
s  files  of  accu- 
risoners'  chains 
reated  with  the 
ras  then  written 
fied  displeasure 
endured,  and  in- 
i  invitation  was 


COLUMBUS  BEFORE  THE  SOVEREIGNS.     447 

backed  up  by  2,cxxd  ducats,  to  enable  him  to  come  into 
their  presence  in  a  style  becoming  his  rank. 

"  He  came  thither  on  the  17th  of  December,"  says 
Herrera.     This   meeting   of  the   aggrieved  and  out- 
raged Admiral  with  the  sovereigns  is  one  of  the  most 
affecting  scenes  in  history.    He  knelt  in  their  presence, 
his  venerable,  manly  form  shaken  with  the  grief  due 
to  the  great  wrongs  which  he  had  received  in  return 
for  his  incalculable  services.     The  King  was  moved ; 
Isabella  was  in  tears.     The  Admiral  wept  and  sobbed 
like  a  heart-broken  child,  "  not  being  able  to  utter  a 
wed,"  says  Herrera,  "  for  the  greatness  of  the  concern 
he  had  upon  him.     They  bade  him  rise,  and  then  he 
made   a   lamentable    speech,   protesting  that  it  had 
always  been  his  intention  and  desire  to  serve  them 
with   the   utmost  fidelity;   and  that  if  he   had  been 
guilty  of   any  mistakes,  they    had   been   occasioned 
through    want    of   knowing   better,   having    always 
believed  that  what  he  did  was  for  the  best." 

This  was  a  scene  over  which  a  court  might  well 
weep.  So  great  a  wrong  to  sc  great  a  benef  ctor  finds 
no  parallel  in  history. 

For  the  sovereigns  the  situation  was  exceedingly 
embarrassing.  How  should  they  free  themselves  from 
accountability  in  an  act  so  outrageous  as  this  of  Boba- 
dilla, their  commissioner  ?  How  might  they  conciliate 
the  common  indignation  ?  How  far  they  were  respon- 
sible the  world  may  never  know.  Common  sense  will 
always  justify  the  words  of  Columbus:  "  I  have  been 
wounded  extremely  by  th-  thought  that  a  man  should 
have  been  sent  out  to  make  inquiry  into  my  conduct 
who  knew   that  if  he  sent  home  a  very  aggravated 


BOBADILLA  DISCLAIMED. 


I 

Ml 


r  < 


448 

account  of  the  result  of  his  investigation   he  wonld 
remain  at  the  head  of  the  government.       T~  ™'^ 
power  this,  altogether,  for  one  man,  «P^/'^"y/";;  " 
^,an  as  Bobadilla.     "While  Fonseca  l-d-"    of  tl^e 
wisdom  along  with  the  veno.>  of    ''-  ^^'P'' '•     '^^^ 
Mr    Fiske,   "  Bobadilla   was    simply   a  jackass,   ana 
behaved  s;  that  in  common  decency  the  sovereigns 
were  obliged  to  disown  him.     They  took  no  formal  or 
"b  ic  nofice  of  his  written  charges  agamst  the  Ad 
mral  and  they  assured  the  latter  that  he  should  be 
"e^mtesed  for  Ws  losses  and  restored  to  his  viceroy- 

-iltv  and  other  dignities."  r  ^r^^  a    r,^ 

This  promise,  however,  could  not  be  fulfilled  at 
present  The  rage  of  the  Castilians  in  Hispaniola 
C  n  ■  the  Admiral,  if  wellnigh  subdued  by  his 
triumphs  alike  over  them  and  the  natives  ;ust  before 
thrrrrival  of  Bobadilla,  had  been  so  encouraged  and 
timnLted  by  the  indiscretions  of  «.atofiicia  that  the 
immediate  return  of  the  viceroy  was  out  of  the  ques 

"""When   the   two  caravels    that  carried   away  the 
Admiral  and  his  brothers  from  Hispaniola  were  gone, 
favs  Herrera, "  Francis  de  Bobadilla,  the  new  governor, 
made  i   his  ;hole  study  to  please  the  Spaniards,  who 
:  re     about    three    hundred,  the    Admiral    having 
nformed  their  Majesties  that  it  was  a  sufficient  num- 
bertokeep  the  island  in  subjection,  especially  since 
they  had  taught  the  dogs  to  bite,  for  one  single  Span- 
td  went  about  as  safe  with  ^  ^^og  ^  if  he  h^  be  n 
»uard.d  by  a  hundred  men.     Bobadilla,  in  the  hrst 
Place  speelily  concluded  all  the  proceedings  about  those 
Sat    were  to  have  been  hanged,  clearing  them  and 


^.  .^-.  5^  ^.s»#ji8«^SE§¥^^Q&i'SSSya^P^^^ 


-■^^^^^^^^•i,^Sli**^ 


,.?SJ^.^fcSV^«*^^^-«*-.^***^^«^*®^' 


^i^«s?i?*ft**^»j*s»*^''^"' 


'M.\ 


BOBADILLA'S  MEASURES. 


449 


ti  he  would 
Too  miicli 
cially  such  a 
some  of  the 
iroeiit,"  says 
jackass,  and 
e  sovereigns 
no  formal  or 
Linst  the  Ad- 
he  should  be 
)  his  viceroy- 

e  fulfilled  at 
n  Hispaniola 
dued  by  his 
;s  just  before 
couraged  and 
fficial  that  the 
.t  of  the  ques- 

-ied   away  the 
•la  were  gone," 
;  new  governor, 
Spaniards,  who 
dmiral    having 
sufficient  num- 
especially  since 
ae  single  Span- 
if  he  had  been 
ila,  in  the   first 
ings  about  those 
iring  them  and 


Francis  Roldan  and  all  the  rest  that  were  guilty,  hon- 
oring and  rewarding  them,  which  was  very  disagreeable 
to  those  who  had  behaved  themselves  well,  who  said 
that    if  they  had  lived   in    a  disorderly  manner  and 
ruined  the  island   they  should   have  been   rewarded. 
Bobadilla  having  been  so  free  in  granting  that  the  King 
should  have  only  the  eleventh  part  of  the  gold  that  was 
found,  besides  many  other  liberties,  the  Spaniards  made 
bold  to  ask  him  to  give  them  Indians  to  work  at  it  for 
them  and  to  till  the  ground.     He  advised  them  to  join 
two  and  two  in  partnership,  and  appointed  them  the 
people  belonging  to  ;he  caciques,  bidding  them  make 
the  best  use  of  their  time,  for  they  knew  not  how  long 
it  would   last,  little  regarding  the  oppression  of  the 
Indians ;   and  thus  the  Spaniards  were  better  pleased 
with  that  libertine  sort  of  life  than  the  discipline  they 
had  been  kept  under  by  the  Admiral." 

To  relieve  Columbus  for  two  years  at  least  from  the 
pandemonium  he  would  have  now  found  in  Hispaniola, 
in  consequence  of  the  above  mismanagement,  would 
se^m  to  have  been  a  very  kind  and  merciful  provision. 
Probably  Isabella  was  sincere  in  endorsing  it,  but  it  is 
more  than  probable  that  it  was  only  a  pretext  with  Fer- 
dinand. The  boundaries  of  the  newly  discovered 
country  had  been  very  suggestively  enlarged  by  the 
several  expeditions  which  had  recently  sailed  on  their 
own  account.  Ojeda's  voyage  to  the  pearl  regions  of 
Paria  and  far  to  the  westward  in  1499  was  soon  fol- 
lowed by  that  of  Pedro  Alonzo  Nifio  along  Cuba  and 
Paria,  bringing  back  immense  stones  of  gold  and  pearls, 
obtained  in  exchange  for  a  few  cheap  baubles  and 
trinkets.     If  Vicente  Yanez  Pinzon,  who  also  made  a 


Hs«^*«^»**''*'*'*^ 


V- 


i|  .a 


} 


i' 
u 


t 


o  PERrLBXITr  OP  PERDtNAND . 

voyage  in  i499,  was  not  equally  successful  iu  a  commer- 
Z\  point  of  'Iw,  he  had  reported  an  .mmense  s  rete 

of  dfscovery  from  the  -^'<=™»-' f  ^^  f  J^l^ ''tt 
the  mouth  of  the  Amazon,  across  the  Gulf  of  Pana,  tne 
Caribbean  Sea,  and  the  Gulf  of  Mex.co.     Haa  he  not 
extended  the  newly  discovered  com.' ry  to  -g'<^- J^^ 
yond  the  equator,  where  he  could  no  longer  "^  f^^ 
bv  the  polar  star  ?     Who  could  conjecture  what  .utelh- 
ince  and  OTofit  Rodrigo  de  Bastidas,  accompanied  by 
La  r-osa  and  Vasco  NuBe.  Balboa,  might  brmg  oack 
h,  re'turn  from  the  voyage  just  undertaken  ,„  order  to 
extend  the  explorations  of  Ojeda  beyond  the  Bay  of 
Venezuela?     Had  not  John  and  Sebastian  Cabot  mtrc 
duced  England  to  the  coasts  in  the  north  ?    Were  not 
iTngUsh  slips  reported  as  prowling  about  among     is 
newly  discovered  islands  ?     What  must  have  been 
musings  on  hearing  from  the  ship  which  Cabral,onh, 
wav  to  India,  had  sent  back  to  report  the  finding  of  a 
Terri  ory  to  the  southeast  of  the  Gulf  of  Pana,  extend- 
das'  of  the  Pope's  line !      Ferdinand  was  bew.  - 
dered  with  the  news  of  so  much  new  country.    It  mus 
b    colonized  at  once  by  local  goveniments,  a^l  under 
the  general  government  established  at  San  Domingo. 
Buti   would  never  do  to  establish  a  viceroy  there,  wh 
^L  a  foreigner,  and  who  had  the  power  to  transmit  all 
Z  prerogative  and  powers  to  his  descendants  for- 

^Meanwhile,  was  there  not  other  -Pl^^-'J";*'^ 
restless  old   Genoese  mariner?     He  had  d-scoverei 
rtg  currents  moving  to  the  westward,  along  *e 
Pearl  Coast,  and  believed  there  w^s  a  passage  som 
where  to  the  west,  south  of  Cuba,  which  would  admit  | 


■^^a*ss°■>#^>^^>■ii'^--^--^>-*'^'^^"*^-^■^^^*^'^^^ 


i^>ilt^/:^'*^^ 


ND. 

.  in  a  commer- 
neiise  stretch 
jf  Brazil,  past 
f  of  Paria,  the 
Had  he  not 
to  regions  be- 
ger  be  guided 
:e  what  intelli- 
ccompanied  by 
■  ht  bring  back 
ken  in  order  to 
nd  the  Bay  of 
an  Cabot  intro- 
h?     Were  not 
out  among  his 
:  have  been  his 
h  Cabral,onhis 
the  finding  of  a 
f  Paria,  extend- 
and  was  bewil- 
nintry.    It  must 
lents,  all  under 
t  San  Domingo. 
;eroy  there,  who 
IX  to  transmit  all 
descendants  for- 

ployment  for  this 
had  discovered 
tward,  along  the 
a  passage  some- 
ich  would  admit 


NICHOLAS  DE  OVANDO. 


451 


him  to  some  large  sea  about  the  Golden  Chersonesus. 
Here  he  might  become  as  rich  as  Vasco  de  Gama  had 
proved   himself   on   return    from   Calacut,   in    India. 
Therefore,  when  the  King  proposed  a  fourth  voyage  of 
discovery  to  the  Admiral,  in  order  that  he  might  find 
this  much-desired   passage,  the   scheme  was   adopted 
without  much  hesitation.     Affairs  at  Hispaniola  were 
too  stormy  for  Columbus  to  be  returned  at  once.     Boba- 
dilla  ruust  be  removed  as  soon  as  possible.     The  per- 
son   :hosen  to   supersede   him   for    the   present   was 
Nich  jlas  de  Ovando,  who,  according  to  Las  Casas,  had 
a  high  character  for  sobriety  and  justice.      He  was  in- 
vested   with   great  authority   over  all  the  newly  dis- 
covered territories.     One-third  of  all  the  gold  on  hand 
and  half  of  all  which  should  be  accumulated  after  his 
arrival  was  to  be  laid  aside  for  the  royal  exchequer. 
All  trade  should  be  in  the  monopoly  of  the  crown.    The 
colonists  should  dwell,  as  much  as  possible,  in  commu- 
nities.    All  supplies  must  come  through  the  royal  fac- 
tor.    Every  effort  must  be  made  for  the  conversion  of 
the  natives,  who  could  now  work  the  mines  on  wages 
from  the  crown.     As  the  natives  were  dying  at  an  alarm- 
ing rate  under  the  exhaustive  labors  in  the  mines,  the 
negroes,  a  hardier  race,  might  be  introduced  to  take  their 
place,  as  slaves.     Those  born  in  Spain  were  preferred, 
perhaps,  on  account  of  their  better  influence  over  the 
natives.     Would   not  the  raw  heathen   recruits   from 
Africa  be  demoralizing  ?     Columbus  might  appoint  an 
agent  to  look  after  his  affairs  in  Hispaniola,  especially 
the  restitution  of  his  property  which  Bobadilla  had 
appropriated.     Alonzo  Sanchez  de  Carvajal  was  chosen. 
Ovando's    fleet,    which  sailed    February  13,    1502, 


J    ! 


^*1 


a;^ 


.it 


i. 


OVANDO'S  FLEET. 

452 

was  a  striking  display  of  official  pomp  ^f^T^'^ 
cence     The  thirty  ships  included  a  considerable  num- 
W  heavy  ton,fage,  and  the  ^-S-  people  -np-  d 
manv  cavaliers  and  persons  of  rank.     The  governor 
Trmfant  in  silks   and  brocade,  had  a  body-guard  of 
twentylo  esquires,  mounted  and  foot.      There  «ere 
no  prisolcouvicts  this  time,  but  respectable  marned 
Ten  with  their  families.    Humooldt  has  out  expressc. 
Se  feelings  of  historical  students  in  general  in  con- 
trast ng  this  grand  fleet  of  the  new  governor  with  the 
jritrvluadron  which  was  to  bear  away  on  one  of  tne 
Ltt';erilons  voyages  the  Admiral  to  whose  active 
enterprise,  courage,  and  heroic  suffenngs  Spam  was 
deUed  for' these  new  regions  of  —e-  promise. 

But  it  was  not  a  mere  popularity  of  the  new  gov 
ernor  which  induced  so  large  an  embarkation.     lUe 
voyages  of  the  late  adventure.,  had  brought  the  New 
World  into  notoriety.      The  pearl-bearing  coasts  of 
Paria  were  no-.v  regarded  as  a  real  -^^'-^'^^^^^^^ 
the  ^old-mines  of  Hayna  were  "  pannmg  out    so  largely 
fs  to    re"e  a  new  se'nsation.     The  colonists  too^ere 
becoming  acclimated,  and  some  semb  ance  "f  "vilua 
rion  had  obtained.    People  might  now  hope  to  live  with 
comfort  in  the  Indies.  ,, 

But  the  gay  ships  were  soon  writhing  in  a  ternble 
gar  "A  large  ship  was  immediately  sunk,  called 
lab  da,  carrying  one  hundred  -d  «  men ;  th 
rest  were  dispersed,  throwing  overboard  all  that  « 
upon  deck.  Two  caravels  also  that  came  from  h 
Canaries,  laden  with  sugar,  were  cast  -^y.^"'' the  e 
drove  the  chests,  casks,  and  timbc.  o  them  on  th 
coast  01  0=.^:.  and  other  parts,  as  well  as  what  had 


? 


»«£«• 


s.a^*i%*»«.*«-''-'«*«''*'-*'*''***"  ..iA«-;-«?*^ 


STORM  AT  SEA. 


453 


and  magnifi- 
iderable  tiuin- 
)le  comprised 
Phe  governor, 
body-guard  of 
There  were 
:table  married 
1  but  expresses 
^neral  in  con- 
ernor  with  the 
r  on  one  of  the 
)  whose  active 
\  Spain  was  in- 
ss  promise, 
f  the  new  gov- 
arkatiou.     The 
)ught  the  New 
iring   coasts  of 
:e  of  wealth,  and 
out"  so  largely 
onists,  too,  were 
ance  of  civiliza- 
lope  to  live  with 

ng  in  a  terrible 
;ly  sunk,  called 
^enty  men;  the 
ird  all   that  was 

came  from  the 
iway,  and  the  sea 

of  them  on  the 
ell  as  what  had 


been  on  board  the  ship  La  Rabida.  Hence  it  was  gen- 
erally concluded  that  the  whole  fleet  had  been  lost  in 
that  tempest,  and  the  news  flew  to  their  Majesties,  who 
were  still  at  Granada,  which  grieved  them  so  much  that 
they  retired  for  eight  days  and  would  be  seen  by  no- 
body." '  The  fleet,  less  one,  reached  San  Domingo  the 
middle  of  April,  1502. 

How  was  the   active   mind   cf   CMumbus  occupied 
during  these  years  of  waiting  ?     He  was  composing 
his  Ltbros  de  las  Proficias,  a  treatise  on  the  fulfilment  of 
certain  prophesies,  particularly  in  Isaiah,  in  which  he 
sees  his  achievements  as  a  realization.     This  manu- 
script, not  in  the  handwriting  of  Columbus,  however— 
for  his  rheumatic  hand  was  probably  incapacitated— is 
still  in  the  Biblioteca  Columbina  at  Seville.     Certain 
selections  from  it  have  been  published  in  the  famous 
collection  of  documents  by  Navarrete.     iT.:  was  still 
impressed  with  the  duty  of  rescuing  the  Holy  Sepul- 
chre—how could  he,  a  son  of  Genoa,  that  victim  of  the 
Moors  and  seat  of  the  Crusades,  feel  otherwise?— Kud 
appealed  to  the  sovereigns  for  support  in  the  under- 
taking.    He  believed  that  the  end  of  the  world  was 
near— within  some  155  years.     This  notion  was  based 
on  an  opinion  of  St.  Augustine,  that  the  world  would 
enchire  but   7,000   years,  nearly   all   of  which   time, 
according  to  the  most  approved  methods  of  reckoning, 
'US  then  passed.     A  letter  written -to  the  Pope  about 
this  time   regards   the   suspension   of  his   titles   and 
rie-hts  as  a  device  of  Satan  to  prevent  his  anticipated 
enterprise   in   respect  to  the  Holy  Sepulchre.     Hum- 
boldt, hnding  the  early  career  of  Columbus  marked 

'  4errer». 


Jjjg-    .rltHtf"'""*^^'' 


i 

•i 


1 


i 

% 


I 


.1 


¥ 


-,51 


TITLES  AND  PREROGATIVES. 

454 

le  discover  a  subline  faith  in  the  unemug  resttlts  of 

°'i::a!Xiu: "h;  tin.  that  Colnn,hns  attested  before 

•      Q,,,5iie  those   documents    affirming  his 

:itiri^a^e™;aBvr*ch  a.  so  carefnUy   pre- 

""  WeSd  by  the  Decurions  of  Genoa,"  says  Mr 
Rob^t  D^ge  "  that  the  library  of  the  Connt  Michael 
r^l"caSbiasi,a  ^^^^^^^  'X'^ 

Privnerii  del  Colombo.'  The  Decurions  of  Genoa, 
r^:f  lo  procu-  this  treasure,  ^fJ^^^^'^J^t:. 
journed  until  the  K'-g\-7"„t  girg  „f  &rdinia, 

taken  at  the  solicitations  of  the  Decnnons  of  Genoa 

:;tXof  JanuarJ.S.   andsbo.^^^^^^ 

TaTrof  cXtfrus^-^re^  ed  s  the^^on^ 
depository,  and  placed  in  an  apartment  m  the  beautitu 
marble  palace  of  the  Doges  ol  Genoa. 


^,.^^m^sim*mm^^ii'^<»^fi^^^^^'^^"  ■-'O*^' 


'S. 

le  religious 
ibus  became 
der  the  in- 
;o  encounter, 
inthusiasin." 
and  over  all, 
ng  results  of 

ttested  before 
iffinning  bis 
arefuUy   pre- 

oa,"  says  Mr. 
ount  Michael 
[hat  city,  was, 
for  sale.     Its 
he  '  Codice  die 
)ns  of  Genoa, 
public  sale  ad- 
;en  received  to 
ig  of  Sardinia, 
r  wishes,  order- 
archives  of  the 
y  having  been 
rions  of  Genoa, 
id  the  copy  left 
by  Genoa  on  the 
after  a  beautiful 
illar  surmounted 
s  their  honored 
in  the  beautiful 


T/JB  CUSTODIA. 


455 


"  A  small  door  of  gilded 
bronze,  in  the  centre,  opens 
to  still  another  door  of  simi- 
lar materia],  behind  which, 
in  their  golden  receptacle,  are 
preserved  the  sacred  relics. 
The  closet  is  secured  by  two 
keys,  which  are  kept  respec- 
tively as  appurtenances  of  of- 
fice by  the  Senator  and  by 
the  Cardinal  Legate  of  Ge- 
noa, during  their  terms  of  of- 
fice.    To  see  the  relics,  both 
keys  must  be  obtained   on 
written  application  to  these 
dignitaries. 

'*  The  documents  contained 
in  this  monument  to  Colum- 
bus consist  of  forty-four  sepa- 
rate charters,  warrants,  or- 
ders, and  grants  of  privileges, 
beautifully  engrossed  on  vel- 
lum by  the  art  of  the  copyist 
and  illuminator  of  that  age, 
and  th*^  (3)  autograph  letters 
of  Columbus. 

"  The  documents  are  en- 
closed in,a  bag  of  richly  gilt 
and  embossed  scarlet  Spanish 
leather,  with  a  silver  lock, 
being  the  '  book  of  copies  of 
his  letters  and  privileges,' 


fi 


*1 
■  1 1 


456 


TRANSLATION  OF  LETTER. 


which  ill  1502,  when  he  set  off  upon  his  fourth  and  last 
voyage,  he  entrusted  to  the  care  and  guardianship  of 
Signer  Francesco  de  Rivarolo,  to  forward  to  his  intimate 
friend  at  Genoa,  '  the  most  learned  doctor,'  as  he  styles 
him,  and  '  the  embassador '  Signor  Nicolo  Odengo,  for 
his  safe-keeping  and  preservation."^ 

Of  the  nitograph  letters  contained  in  the  rmtodia,  two 
are  addressed  to  Oderigo,  the  first  dated  March  21, 
JS02,  just  before  the  Admiral  sailed  on  his  fourth  voy- 
age ;  the  second,  December  27,  1504,  «°°"  ^^J^'/"' 
return  The  third  letter  is  addressed  to  the  Bank  of  S  . 
George  in  Genoa,  and  is  given  \xi  facsimile  on  the  fol- 
lowing page. 

The  following  is  the  translation :  ,  „ 

High  N0BI.K  Lords  :    Although   the  body   walks 
about  here,  the  heart  is  constantly  over  there.     Our 
Lord  has  conferred  on  me  the  greatest  favors  to  any 
one   since   David.      The  results  of  my  undertaking 
already  appear,  and   would   shine   greatly  were  they 
not  concealed   by   the   blindness  of  the  government 
I  am  going  again  to  the  Indies  under  the  auspices  ot 
the   Holy   Trinity,  soon   to   return  ;  and  since  I  am 
mortal,  I  leave  it  with  my  son  Diego  that  you  may 
receive   every   year,  forever,  one-tenth   of  the   entire 
revenue,  such  as  it  may  be,  for  the  purpose  of  reduc- 
ing the   tax   upon   corn,  wine,  and  other  provisions. 
If  that  tenth  amounts  to  something,  collect  it.     If  not, 
take  at  least  the  will  for  the  deed.     I  beg  of  you  to 
entertain  regard  for  the  son  I  have  recommended  to 
you     Nicolo  de  Oderigo  knows  more  uoout  my  own 
affairs   than  I  do   myself,  and  I  have  sent  him  tran- 
scripts of  my  privileges  and  letters  for  safe-keeping. 

1  See  Robert  Podge's  Memorials  of  Columbus. 


**i«aBitafc«ssasSBse^«sk«ifS*«"i^*i' 


Bfc^^f^SSS^WW^f^^^^**^*^*****^******* 


R. 

jurtli  and  last 
ardiansliip  of 
o  his  intimate 
;  as  he  styles 
)  Oderigo,  for 

e  cusiodia^  two 
;d  March  2i, 
is  fourth  voy- 
oon  after  his 
;he  Bank  of  St. 
tie  on  the  fol- 


e  body  walks 
er  there.  Our 
t  favors  to  any 
y  undertaking 
,tly  were  they 
e  government, 
the  auspices  of 
nd  since  I  am 

that  you  may 

of  the   entire 

irpose  of  reduc- 

;her  provisions. 

llectit.     If  not, 

I  beg  of  you  to 
■ecommended  to 
t  u'jout  my  own 
i  sent  him  tran- 
■or  safe-keeping. 

lumbus. 


LETTER  TO  HANK  OF  ST.   GEORGE. 


457 


ks**^ 


/^  /e/.  ^  w^  y,/^-.^  cT^-^w/  c^-^-ijj./  ^^ 

•y  i  X 


I 


:.i^' 


iiM 


TRANSLA TION  OF  LETTER. 

^    u  .M   ho   Lrl'id  if  von  could  see  them.     My  Lo^ds 
l^eKLnnd'ouceu  endeavor  to  honor  me  more  than 
ver       M:T  tlK.  Holy   THnity   preserve   your   nob  e 
;:sons,   and   increase   tl:.   most   n^mficent    hou^ 
(of  St.  George).     Done   m    .Seville   on   the  -d  d.^ 
April,  1502.  ^^^.^^  ^^^^^.^^^  ^^  ^^^^  ^^^^^^  viceroy 

and  Governor-general  of  the  islands 
and  continents  of  Asia  and  the  Indies 
of  my  Lords  the  Kitig  and  Qneen  their 
captain-general  of  the  sea,  and  of  then 
council. 

S.  A.  S. 
X  M  Y 
•  X/'O  ferens. 


it- 

% 

\\ 

I  h  r, 


*.l«l^il«!«4*Aa»««,i)^'-"*^^^>*- 


^^^^^^^^;S^^.^^;^*,^^8«»«iS^^ 


\ 


e. 

My  Lords 

lie  more  tlum 

your   noble 

ficeiit    house 

he  -cl  iliiy  of  I 

ceau,  Viceroy 
f  the  islands 
nd  the  Indies! 
a  Queen,  their 
a,  and  of  their 


timm" 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


I 


1.0 


I.I 


1^1^    |2.5 


12.2 


m 


- 

1.25   II  1.4   1  1.6 

^ 

6"     

► 

V 


vl 


Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  145S0 

(716)  872-4503 


SE^EiSSSrae:''  * 


.^^4^ 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


:\ 


\ 


\,  '-m' 


» 

1 

7 

1 

1  west 

« 
■ 

t 

I  awa] 

■ 

■ 

^H  Spai 

CHAPTER  XX. 

COLUMBUS'vS  FOURTH    VOYAGE. 


HE  Strong  current  to  the  westward,  between 
South  America  and  the  larger  West  India 

[     Islands,  was  not  seeking  an  outlet  in  some 

western  channel,  as  Columbus  supposed.  It  was  that 
equatorial  current  which,  setting  across  from  the 
African  coast,  passes  around  at  the  west  end  of  Cuba 
and  by  the  south  shore  of  Florida,  and  then,  bearing 
away  to  the  northeast  just  outside  the  Atlantic  coast, 
is  known  as  the  Gulf  Stream.  But  the  conjecture  of 
Columbus  was  about  as  correct  as  could  have  been 
made  at  the  time,  and  gave  direction  to  this  his  last 
voyage,  which  may  be  considered  at  once  the  most 
trying  and  least  important  of  them  all. 

As  anticipated  in  his  imagination,  however,  it  was  a 
grand  scheme.  Locating  his  supposed  j«!'a^5  about  where 
that  narrow  tongue  of  land,  the  Isthmus  of  Darien, 
separates  two  immense  oceans,  the  Atlantic  and  the 
Pacific,  he  intended  to  reach  the  Indies,  from  which 
Vasco  de  Gama'  had  recently  brought  so  much  treasure  ; 
and  thus  joining  the  country  he  had  discovered  with 
the  gorgeous  orient  of  antiquity,  pass  over  the  Indian 
ocean  and  around  Africa,  and  return  to  Europe  by 
sailing  around  the  globe.     Had  the  world  but  been 

'  It  would  seem  dear  that  the  grand  commercial  and  financial  success  of 
de  Gama's  voyage  to  Calicut,  HOT-HQS.  and  the  consequent  jealousy  in 
Spain,  was  the  mainspring  to  move  Columbus  in  search  of  a  pass  direct  to 
the  heart  of  India. 


■V^t-f^.^  i^i^ri,      ^'T'    "^■•■<    ^rt-l 


^6o       THE   VOYAGE  IN  FA  VOR  AT  COURT. 

true  to  his  conception,  this  would  certainly  have  been 
one  of  the  grandest  voyages  ever  mapped  out,  and  it 
would  be  simply  carrying  out  his  scheme,  already  m 
niind,  when  he  was  on  the  south  of  Cuba  dunng  his 
second  voyage.  Then  his  men  were  exhausted  by  the 
hardships  of  a  long  and  tedious  expedition,  ^is  stores 
were  wellnigh  consumed,  and  his  ships  honeycombed  by 
the  teredo.    Now  he  would  start  out  fresh,  with  his  aim 

dir'^ctly  before  him.  . 

The  King  and  Queen  were  profoundly  interested  in 
the  sketch  of  his  plan,  but  some  in  the  royal  counci 
hesitated.     Was  not  the  treasury  low  ?     Did  they  no 
need  their  scant  resources  for  more  pressing  claims  ? 
Besides,  they  had  not  yet  received  return  letters  from 
Ovando.     This  official  might  disclose  such  turpitude 
on  the  part  of  the  Admiral  in  Hispaniola  as  would 
prevent  his  freedom  on  the  ocean !     But  Ferdinand 
was  eager  for  the  results  of  so  promising  an  under- 
taking, and  Isabella  would  listen   to   no   suggestion 
which  might  deny  the  Admiral  his  small  squadrom 
How  shamefullv  would  such  ingratitude  contrast  with 
the  grand  fleet  and  princely  retinue  of  Ovando  but  now 
sailing  away  to  govern  the  vast  territories  discovered 
by  this  same  Admiral,  who  had  just  been  sent  home 
from  his  country  in  chains !  ^  ,      ,  i. 

We  know  that  the  brave  Bartholomew  Columbus,  who 
was  wanted  as  the  companion  of  the  great  discoverer, 
did  not  take  very  readily  to  the  enterprise.  If  his  peril- 
ous efforts  in  the  past  had  met  with  so  poor  an  appre- 
ciation, what  had  he  to  hope  for  in  the  future  ?  Indeed  it 
would  seem  that  there  was  finally  some  hesitancy  on  the 
part  of  the  Admiral  himself.  Why  did  the  sovereigns  send 


him  tl 

yoiiri 

were  s 

we  he 

you  \ 

alway 

shoul( 

noble 

tives 

mann 

whicl 

contr; 

to  rati 

son  b 

and  f 

satisf 

broth 

the  ei 

said. 

partu 

Colui 

troub 

He 

byth 

Sevil 

solici 

time 

gest; 

hund 

was  < 

W 

of  m 


URT. 

y  have  been 
L  out,  and  it 
;,  already  in 
L  during  his 
isted  by  the 
n,  his  stores 
eycorabed  by 
with  his  aim 

interested  in 
royal  council 
Did  they  not 
sing  claims  ? 
1  letters  from 
ich  turpitude 
iola  as  would 
It  Ferdinand 
ing  an  under- 
o   suggestion 
lall  squadron, 
contrast  with 
ando,  but  now 
ies  discovered 
;en  sent  home 

;^olumbus,  who 
;at  discoverer, 
;.  If  his  peril- 
poor  an  appre- 
re?  Indeed,  it 
esitancy  on  the 
sovereigns  send 


COL  UMB  US  HESITA  TES. 


461 


him  the  following  significant  lines  ?— "  Be  assured  that 
your  imprisonment  was  very  displeasing  to  us,  which  you 
were  sensible  of,  and  all  men  plainly  saw,  because  as  soon 
we  heard  of  it  we  applied  the  proper  remedies.     And 
you  know  with  how  much  honor  and  respect  we  have 
always  ordered  you  to  be  treated,  which  we  now  direct 
should  be  done,  and  that  you  receive  all  worthy  and 
noble  usage,  promising  that  the  privileges  and  preroga- 
tives by  us  granted  you  shall  be  preserved  in  ample 
manner,  according  to  the  tenor  of  our  letters-patents, 
which  you  and  your  children  shall  enjoy  without  any 
contradiction,  as  is  due  in  reason  ;  and  if  it  be  requisite 
to  ratify  them  anew  we  will  do  it,  and  will  order  that  your 
son  be  put  into  possession  of  all,  for  we  desire  to  honor 
and  favor  you  in  greater  matters  than  these.     And  be 
satisfied  we  will  take  the  due  care  of  your  sons  and 
brothers,  which  shall  be  done  when  you  are  departed ;  for 
the  employment  shall  be  given  to  your  son,  as  has  been 
said.      We   therefore  pray  you  not  to  delay  your  de- 
parture."    "  This  their  Majesties  wrote,"  says  Fernando 
Columbus,  "  because  the  Admiral  had  resolved  not  to 
trouble  himself  any  more  with  the  affairs  of  the  Indies." 
He  adds :  "  The  Admiral,  having  been  well  dispatched 
by  their  Cr.tholic  Majesties,  set  out  from  Granada  for 
Seville  in  the  year  1501,  and  being  there,  so  earnestly 
solicited  the  fitting  out  of  his  squadron  that  in  a  small 
time  he  had  rigged  and  provided  four  ships,  the  big- 
gest of  seventy,  the  least  of  fifty  tons  burden,  and  one 
hundred  and  forty  men  and  boys,  of  which  number  I 

was  one." 

With  these  few  frail  vessels  and  this  small  number 
of  men,  the  Admiral,  burdened  with  years  and  the  in- 


4Bi&ei*«»si»feiiMi^^SS«'i«arai^2aKSs«&^ 


462 


THE  FLEET  SAILS. 


firmities  aud  diseases  which  his  many  ^^'^^^^^^  ^^^ 
great  hardships  had  brought  on,  was  about  to  sa  round 
the  world.  But  his  mind  was  still  buoyant  with  hope 
and  enthusiasm.  His  expressive  gray  eye  could  still 
kindle  with  delight  at  the  thought  of  disclosing  some 
new  part  of  this  great  world  to  mankind. 

Fernando,  then  scarcely  fourteen  years  of  age,  must 
have  been  susceptible  of  the  most  vivid  impressions  as 
one  event  after  another  made  up  the  history  of  the  voy- 
ane      "  We  set  sail  from  Cadi.,''  he  says,     on  the  9th  of 
May,  1502,  and  sailed  to  St.  Catherine's,  whence  we 
parted  on  Wednesday,  the  i  ith  of  the  same  month,  and 
went  to  Arzilla  to  relieve  the  Portuguese,  who  were  re 
ported  to  be  in  great  distress,  but  when  we  came  th  ther 
^hlMoors  had  raised  the  siege.     The  Admiral,  there- 
fore sent  his  brother,  D.  Bartholomew  Colon,  and  me, 
with  the  captains  of  the  ships,  ashore  to  visit  the  gov- 
Irnor  of  Ar. ilia,  who  had  been  wounded  by  the  Moor 
in  an  assault.     He  returned  the  Admiral  thanks  for  the 
visit  and  his  offers,  and  to  this  purpose  sent  some  gen- 
tlemen to  him,  among  whom  were  some  relatives  to 
Dofia  Philippa  Moniz,  the  Admiral's  wife  in  Portugal 
The  same  day  we  set  sail,  and  arriving  at  Gran  Canar 
on  the  20th   of   May,   cast   anchor  among  the  little 
islands,  and  on  the  24th  went  over  to  Mospalomas  in  th 
same  island,  there  to  take  in  wood  and  water  for  our 
voyage.     The  next  night  we  set  out  for  the  Indies  and 
it  pleased  God  the  wind  was  so  fair  that  wit^iout  hand- 
ling  the  sails,  on  Wednesday,  the   15th  of  June,  vre 
arrived  at  the  island  Matinino  with  a  rough  sea  and 
wind.     There,  according  to  the  custom  of  those  that  sail 
from  Spain  to  the  Indies,  the  Admiral  took  in  fresh 


A  BAD  SAILING  SHIP. 


463 


nxieties  and 
L  to  sail  round 
nt  with  hope 
e  could  still 
closing  some 

of  age,  must 
mpressions  as 
)ry  of  the  voy- 
"  on  the  9th  of 
s,  whence  we 
tie  mouth,  and 
,  who  were  re- 
;  came  thither 
admiral,  there- 
;^olon,  and  me, 
visit  the  gov- 
by  the  Moors 
thanks  for  the 
lent  some  gen- 
iie  relatives  to 
fe  in  Portugal. 
Lt  Gran  Canaria 
long  the  little 
ipalomas,  in  the 
water  for  our 
the  Indies,  and 
,  without  hand- 
h  of  June,  we 
rough  sea  and 
>f  those  that  sail 
1  took  in  fresh 


wood  and  water,  and  made  the  men  wash  their  linen, 
staying  till  Saturday,  when  we  stood  to  the  westward, 
and  came  to  Dominica,  ten  leagues  from  the  other.  So, 
running  along  the  Caribbee  Islands,  we  came  to  Santa 
Cnu,  and  on  the  24th  of  the  same  month  ran  aloilg  the 
south  side  of  the  island  of  St.  John.  Thence  we  took 
the  way  for  San  Domingo,  the  Admiral  having  a  mind  to 
exchange  one  of  his  ships  for  another,  because  it  was  a 
bad  sailer,  and  besides  could  carry  no  sail,  but  the  side 
would  lie  almost  under  water,  which  was  a  hindrance  to 
his  voyage,  because  his  design  was  to  have  gone  directly 
upon  the  coast  of  Paria  and  keep  along  that  shore  till 
he  came  upon  the  strait,  which  he  certainly  con- 
cluded was  about  Veragua  and  Nombre  de  Dios.  But, 
seeing  the  fault  of  the  ship,  he  was  forced  to  repair  to 
San  Domingo  to  change  it  for  a  better." 

But  what  was  now  the  condition  of  this  little  com- 
munity? Ovando  had  arrived  on  the  15th  of  April. 
His  official  pomp  and  splendid  retinue  and  appoint- 
rneuts  threw  Bobadilla  completely  into  the  shade.  The 
late  governor-general's  quasi  popularity,  founded  only 
in  a  catering  to  greed  for  gain  and  an  indulgence  of  sin 
and  rebellion,  now  forsook  him  utterly.  He  was  not 
sufficiently  noticed  to  be  the  subject  of  an  accusation,  or 
even  a  harsh  word.     He  was  simply  nonentity. 

Roldan  and  his  accomplices  did  not  escape  so  easily. 
They  were  the  subjects  of  a  searching  investigation, 
and  most  0/  them  were  ordered  to  Spain  to  answer  for 
their  doings.  But  none  of  them  seemed  uneasy  as  to 
the  result.  Had  they  not  influential  friends  at  the 
court?  Was  not  Fonseca  on  their  side — on  the  side  of 
any  one  who  might  be  hostile  to  Columbus  ?    At  any 


3^SSSiu»<3.s6M6«i«*SKi****-*V<*.«&J«.'«>^^ 


;,t,  iii!5(U!«JS;Csl'3:iS»v-- 


464  THE  ROAST  PIG. 

rate,  the  great  quantity  of  gold  they  were  about  to  take 
home  would  cover  '*  a  multitude  of  sins." 

The  returniug  ships  of  Ovando's  fleet  were  also  to 
take  back  the  idle,  dissolute,  and  good-for-nothing  fel- 
lows who,  strolling  over  the  island,  were  the  occasion 
of  nearly  all  the  disturbances.  The  flag-ship  was  to 
carry  Bobadilla  and  his  vast  quantity  of  gold,  amassed 
by  cruelly  oppressing  the  natives.  This  he  confidently 
hoped  would  be  an  ample  makeweight  against  all  charges 
which  might  be  brought  against  him.  Roldan  would 
make  him  company  ;  and  somewhere  in  the  same  ship 
was  stored  away  the  kind-hearted  and  patient  Guarionex, 
who  had  been  a  prisoner  in  Fort  Conception  ever  since 
the  Higuayan  war.  He  was  now  to  appear  in  Spain 
a  captive,  in  chains.  In  this  same  ship  was  placed 
that  famous  nugget  of  gold  which  had  been  acci- 
dentally raked  out  of  a  brook  by  an  Indian  girl.  It  was 
estimated  at  1,350,000  maravedis,  or  about  two  thou- 
sand dollars.  This  remarkable  find  had  been  celebrated 
by  a  grand  dinner  of  roast  pig,  served  on  the  enormous 
mass  of  precious  metal  as  a  platter.  What  king  had 
dined  off  a  plate  like  this !  But  where  was  the  poor 
Indian  girl  at  this  time  ?  Las  Casas  thinks  she  was 
lucky  if  she  got  a  taste  of  the  pig  \ 

In  the  poorest  ship  of  the  fleet  sailed  Carvajal,  in 
charge  of  four  thousand  pieces  of  gold  belonging  to 
Columbus.  Some  of  it  was  revenue  recently  collected, 
and  some  was  that  which  Bobadilla  had  been  com- 
pelled to  restore. 

The  splendid  fleet  was  all  ready  to  sail  on  the  29th 
of  June,  when  the  little  squadron  of  Columbus  ap- 
peared.    Pedro  de  Jerreros,  one  of  his  captains,  was 


THE  COMING  TEMPEST. 


465 


bout  to  take 

A^ere  also  to 
nothing  fel- 
he  occasion 
ship  was  to 
)ld,  amassed 

confidently 
tall  charges 
ildan  would 
e  same  ship 
t  Guarionex, 
n  ever  since 
iar  in  Spain 

was  placed 
I  been  acci- 
girl.  It  was 
t  two  thou- 
n  celebrated 
le  enormous 
tiat  king  had 
vas  the  poor 
nks  she  was 

Carvajal,  in 
elonging  to 
:ly  collected, 
id  been  com- 

on  the  29th 
)lumbus  ap- 
aptains,  was 


sent  at  once  to  ask  for  the  vessel  needed  in  the  place 
of  the  one  so  extremely  faulty,  and  to  entreat  permis- 
sion to  shelter  the  ships  in  the  harbor  during  a  com- 
ing storm,  of  which  the  Admiral  was  exceedingly 
apprehensive.     Both  these  requests  were  denied. 

If  Columbus  was  refused  shelter  from  the  approach- 
ing hurricane,  he  would  do  what  he  could  to  prevent 
the  destruction  of  the  fleet  about  to  sail.  Immediately, 
therefore,  he  sent  back  the  officer  to  the  governor,  to 
entreat  him  not  to  leave  the  harbor  under  eight  days, 
as  there  were  unmistakable  signs  of  a  tempest  just 
at  hand. 

The  sky  was  so  clear,  the  air  so  calm,  and  the  water 
so   smooth   that   the  whole  face  of  nature  seemed  to 
contradict   this    prognostication.      The   pilots   in  the 
harbor  made  a  loud  jest  of  the  Admiral.     Surely  he 
wag  a  false  prophet !     But  the  practised  eye  of  the  old 
seaman    was   not   to   be  hoodwinked.     Whether  from 
"  the  porpoises  and  other  such  like  fishes  playing  upon 
the  surface  of  the  water,"  or  any  "  other  such  observa- 
tions," ^  he  could  afford  to  act  on  his  own  prophesies. 
His  crews  murmured  at  being  under  a  man  so  out  of 
favor  that  they  could  not  be  allowed  that  privilege 
of  shelter  which   any  stranger  might  claim.     What 
would  they  do  in  these  far-off  and  dangerous  waters  if 
any   calamity   should    befall    them    in    this   coming 
tempest  ?     "  And  though  the  Admiral  was  concerned 
on    the    same   account,"   says    Fernando   Columbus, 
"  yet  it  more  vexed  him  to  behold  the  baseness  and 
ingratitude  used  towards  him  in  that  country  he  had 
given  to  the  honor  and  benefit  of  Spain,  being  refused 

1  Herrera,  Dec.  i,  book  v,  chap.  i. 


®>*«ii^fe^SiSg^i^aj«gte»4sa«^®«saWM«iMi«^^ 


466 


THE  ADMIRAL'S  SHIPS. 


to  shelter   his  life  in  it.     Yet  his  prudence  and  ludg- 
ment  seenred  his  ships  till  the  next  day  ;   the  tempest 
increasing,  and  the  night  coming  on  very  dark,  three 
ships   broke    from  him,  every    one  its  own  way  ;  the 
men  aboard  each  of  them,  though  all  of  them  in  great 
danger,  concluded  the  others  were  lost ;  but  they  thai 
suffered    most    were    those    aboard    the    ship  called 
Santo,  who,  to  save  their  boat  which  had  been  ashore 
with  the  captain,  Jerreros,  dragged  it  astern,   where 
it  overset,  and  were  at  last  forced  to  let  it  go  to  save 
themselves.     But  the  caravel  Bermuda  was  in  much 
more  danger,  which,  running  out  to  sea  was  alinost 
covered  with  it,  by  which  it  appeared  the  Admiral  had 
reason  to  endeavor  to  change  it ;  and  all  men  con- 
cluded that,  under  God,  the    Admiral's  brother  was 
the  saving  of  her  by  his  wisdom  and  resolution,  tor, 
as  has  been  said  above,  there  was  not  at  that  time  a 
more  expert  sailor  than  he.     So  that  after  they  had 
all  suffered  very  much,  except  the  Admiral,  it  pleased 
God  they  met  again  upon  Sunday  following  in  the 
port  of  Azua,  on  the  south  side  of  Hispaniola,  where, 
every  one    giving    an  account  of  his  misfortunes,  it 
appeared  that  Bartholomew  Colon  had  weathered  so 
great  a  storm  by  flying  from  land  like  an  able  sailor, 
and  that  the  Admiral  was  out  of  danger  by  lying  close 
to  the  shore  like  a  cunning    astrologer,  who    kne^v 
whence    the    danger    must    come.      Well   might  his 
enemies  blame  him,  therefore,  saying  he  l^ad  raised 
that  storm  by  art  magic,  to  be  revenged  on  Bobadilla 
and  the  rest  of  his  enemies  that  were  with  him,  seeing 
that  none    of  his  four  ships    perished,    and  that  of 
eighteen '  which  set  outjvvith  Bobadina,^lyoPe,  called 

T^i;7ni;;„b^H^^n  as  twenty-eighrbT^th^  writer.. 


THE  HURRICANE. 


467 


:nce  and  iudg- 
;    the  tempest 
ry  dark,  three 
own  way  ;  the 
them  in  great 
but  they  that 
,ie    ship  called 
d  been  ashore 
astern,  where 
et  it  go  to  save 
;  was  in  much 
ea,  was  almost 
A  Admiral  had 
L  all   men  con- 
's brother  was 
resolution,  for, 
at  that  time  a 
L  after  they  had 
niral,  it  pleased 
ollowing  in  the 
spaniola,  where, 
misfortunes,  it 
id  weathered  so 
e  an  able  sailor, 
:r  by  lying  close 
iger,  who    knew 
Well   might  his 
r  he  had  raised 
red  on  Bobadilla 
with  him,  seeing 
ed,    and  that  of 
,,  only  one,  called 

other  writers. 


I.a  Ai^Hj'a,  or  the  IVcrd/r,  the  worst  of  them  all,  held 
on  its  course  for  vSpain,  where  it  arrived  safe,  having 
on  board  four  thousand  pesos  in  gold,  worth  eight 
shillings  a  peso,  belonging  to  the  Admiral,  the  other 
three  that  escaped  returning  to  San  Domingo,  shat- 
tered and  in  a  distressed  condition." 

With  flying  colors,  with  songs  and  music,  the 
j^rand  fleet  of  Bobadilla  swelled  its  sails  for  the  home- 
ward vo3-age,  but  they  had  scarcely  reached  the 
eastern  end  of  the  island  when  the  fury  of  the  hurri- 
cane burst  upon  them.  The  midnight  darkness,  the 
howling  tempest,  the  electric  blaze  and  thunder  crash, 
w  ith  an  ocean  lashed  into  wild  fury — an  inconceivable, 
indescribable  catastrophe,  almost  as  sudden  as  an 
earthquake,  engulphed  twenty-six  ships.  Bobadilla, 
Roldan  and  his  accomplices,  and  poor  Guarionex 
anticipated  the  tribunals  of  Spain.  The  fabulous 
quantities  of  gold  wrung  from  the  suffering  toils  of 
the  oppressed  natives,  including  the  two-thousand- 
dollar  nugget,  went  down  into  the  ocean's  abyss  with 
them. 

Las  Casas,  who  was  in  Hispaniola  at  the  time,  says  : 
"  We  will  not  inquire  now  into  this  remarkable  divine 
judgment,  for  at  the  last  day  of  the  world  it  will  be 
made  quite  clear  to  us."  To  affirm  divine  judgment 
is  at  any  time  a  great  assumption.  Who  may  draw 
the  line  between  mere  fortuity  in  the  forces  of  nature 
and  a  special  exercise  of  the  divine  will  ?  But  it  is 
safe  to  say  that  the  noted  catastrophe  referred  to 
appears  as  much  like  a  divine  visitation  as  anything 
we  could  conceive ;  and  whoever  believes  in  prov- 
idence— and  who  does  not  ? — will  be  likely  to  regard 
it  as  such. 


.44.'»*W>*ftiV»Fl  1 


468 


yi   litiEATlllNC,  srElJ.. 


"  The  Admiral,  in  the  port  of  A/ua,  ^ave  his  men  a 
breathing    time     after    the    storm,"    says    Fernando 
Columbus,  who  was   in  the  fleet,  "  and  it  being  one  ot 
the  diversions  used  at  sea  to  fish  when  there  is  nothing 
else  to  do,  I  will  mention  two  sorts  of  fish  among  the 
rest  which  I  remember  were  taken  there  ;  the  one  of 
them    was  pleasant,  the   other  wonderful.     The    first 
was  a  fish  called  saavina,  as  big  as  half  an  ordinary 
bell,  which,  lying  asleep  above  the  water,  was  struck 
with  a  harping  iron  from  the  boat  of  the  ship  liiscrina. 
and  held  so  fast  that  it  coiild  not  break  loose  ;  but 
being  tied  with  a  long  rope  to  the  boat,  drew  it  after  it 
as  swift  as  an  arrow,  so  that  those  aboard  the  ship, 
seeing  the  boat  scud  about,  and  not  knowing  the  occa- 
sion, were  astonished  it  should  do  so  without  the  help 
of  the  oars,  till  at  last  the  fish  sunk,  and  being  drawn 
to  the  ship's  side,  was  then  hauled  up  with  the  tackle. 
The  other  fish  was  taken  after  another  manner ;  the 
Indians  call  it  manatee,  and  there  are  none  of  the  sort 
in  Europe;  it  is  as  big  as  a  calf,  nothing  differing 
from  it  in  the  color  and  taste  of  the  flesh,  but  that 
perhaps  it  is  better  and  fatter ;  wherefore  those  that 
affirm  there  are  all  sorts  of  creatures  in  the  sea  will 
have  it  that  these  fishes  are  real  calves,  since  within 
they  have  nothing  like  a  fish,  and  feed  only  on  the 
grass  they  find  along  the  banks."^ 

After  encountering  another  storm,  they  put  out  again 
on  the  14th  of  July,  but  the  wind  was  so  light  that 
they  were  carried  away  by  the  currents,  first  to  some 
islands  near  Jamaica,  and  to  the  Queen's.  Gardens, 
then  on  the  south  of  Cuba.     On  the  27th,  the  wind 

»  The  Manatus  americanus,  closely  related  to  the  Cetaceans. 


UNDER  SAIL  AGAIN. 


469 


ve  his  ineti  ;i 
•s  Fernanda 
beinj;  one  of 
re  is  iiothinj,^ 
h  uinon^  the 
;  ;  the  one  of 
1.     The    first 

an  ordinary 
r,  was  struck 
ship  ni&tciuiu 
,k  loose  ;  but 
rew  it  after  it 
ard  the  ship, 
,ing  the  occa- 
hout  the  help 
.  being  drawn 
ith  the  tackle. 

manner ;  the 
»ne  of  the  sort 
hing  differing 
lesh,  but  that 
jre  those  that 
11  the  sea  will 
;,  since  within 
d  only  on  the 

^  put  out  again 
;  so  light  that 
;,  first  to  some 
;en's.  Gardens, 
27th,  the  wind 

le  Cetaceans. 


favoring,  they  sailed  to  the  southwest,  and  on  the  30th 
reached  the  island  Guanaja,  now  Honacca,  some  30 
miles  from  the  coast  of  Honduras.  The  second  in  size 
of  the  Haj''  Islands,  it  is  .some  1 2  miles  long  and  from  one 
to  three  miles  wide,  and  rises  i  ,200  feet.  The  crews  were 
impressed  with  its  fertility  and  verdure,  especially  its 
lofty  pines.  The  inhabitants  were  similar  to  those 
found  elsewhere  in  these  parts,  excepting  their  low 
foreheads. 

Notice  that  stately  canoe,  coming  as  if  from  a  dis- 
tance, probably  from  Yucatan  !  Long  as  a  galley  and 
eight  feet  wide,  it  has  an  elegant  awning  of  palm 
leaves  over  the  centre,  not  unlike  the  cabin  of  a  Vene- 
tian gondola.  Under  this  cozily  sits  a  cacique  with 
his  wives  and  children,  protected  alike  from  sun  and 
rain.  Twenty-five  Indians  drive  their  strong  paddles. 
Strangely  enough,  they  have  no  fear  of  the  Spaniards, 
but  push  right  up  to  the  side  of  the  Admiral's  caravel. 
This  canoe  must  be  on  a  journey,  for  it  is  fairly  filled 
up  with  a  great  variety  of  manufactured  articles  and 
with  the  various  products  of  the  locality — a  sort  of 
voluntary  exhibition  of  the  things  to  be  found  here. 
And  are  not  some  of  these  weapons  superior  to  any 
seen  in  these  parts  heretofore  ?  Those  hatchets  are 
not  of  stone,  but  of  copper  !  Here  are  wooden  swords 
with  double  edges  firmly  set  with  sharp  flints  tied  into 
grooves  with  the  dried  intestines  of  fishes  ;  such  swords 
were  afterwards  found  in  Mexico.  Here  are  bells,  and 
also  other  articles,  made  of  copper,  with  the  rude 
crucible  in  which  that  metal  was  melted,  and  vessels 
of  clay  and  of  marble,  and  utensils  made  of  hard 
wood.      The  provisions,  too,  are  worth  noticing — the 


S^^liJ«afc4^i!s®f®«fe^f*aiB«ias*^^*MS#w;s^  «.>  .aiiVi  i«**v 


. -o  A  NEW  STYLE  OF  NA TIVES. 

cacao,  used  both  as  food  and  as  money ;  a  sort  of  beer 
made  from  maize;  also  bread  made  from  the  same  arti- 
cle, and  some  made  from  roots.  The  women  wear  fine 
cotton  mantles,  richly  worked  in  gay  colors,  and  the 
men  have  cotton  cloths  about  the  loins.  Both  sexes 
have  a  particular  sense  of  modesty  for  Indians,  which 
is  especially  noticed  bv  the. boy  Fernando  when  they 
are  hauled  over  the  side  of  the  ship  as  captured  per 


sons. 


"I    must    add,"   h-   says,  "  that   we   ought 


to 


admire  their  modesty  ;  for  it  falling  out  that,  in  getting 
them  aboard,  some  were  taken  by  the  clouts  they  had 
before  their   privities,   they  would  immediately    clap 
their  hands  to  cover  them  ;  and  the  women  would  hide 
their  faces,  and  wrap  themselves   up,  as  we   said  the 
Moorish   women   do   at    Granada.      This   moved   the 
Admiral  to  use  them  well,  to  restore  their  canoe,  and 
give  them  some  things  in  exchange  for  those  that  had 
been  taken  from  them.     Nor  did  he  keep  any  one  of 
them  but  an  old  man,  whose  name  was  Giumba,  who 
seemed  to  be  the  wisest  and  chief  of  them,  to  learn 
something  of  him  concerning  the  country,  and  that  he 
might  draw  others  to  converse  with  the  Christians, 
which  he  did  very  readily  and  faithfully  all  the  while 
we  sailed  where  his  language  was  understood.     There- 
fore, as  a  reward  for  his  services,  when  we  came  where 
he  was  not  understood,  the  Admiral  gave  him  some 
things,  and  sent  him  home  very  well  pleased." 

Those  Indians  in  the  canoe  at  the  island  had 
endeavored,  by  signs,  to  tell  something  of  the  richness, 
industry,  and  cultivation  of  their  country  to  the  west- 
ward, and  urged  Columbus  to  steer  in  that  direction. 
As  soon  as  they  perceived  that  he  was  in  search  of 


VES. 

r ;  a  sort  of  beer 
m  the  same  arti- 
vomen  wear  fine 

colors,  and  the 
ns.  Both  sexes 
•  Indians,  which 
mdo  when  they 
as  captured  per- 
at  we  ought  to 
It  that,  in  getting 

clouts  they  had 
tnniediately  clap 
omen  would  hide 
,  as  we  said  the 
This    moved   the 

their  canoe,  and 
3r  those  that  had 

keep  any  one  of 
/as  Giumba,  who 
of  them,  to  learn 
Lutry,  and  that  he 

I  the  Christians, 
iiUy  all  the  while 
derstood.  There- 
in we  came  where 

II  gave  him  some 
,  pleased." 

,  the  island  had 
ig  of  the  richness, 
untry  to  the  west- 
in  that  direction, 
was  in  search  of 


WESTWARD  OR  EASTWARD? 


47^ 


gold,  they  gave  him  to  understand  that  in  their  coun- 
try the  people  wore  heavy  crowns  made  of  it,  and  great 
rings  on  their  arras  and  legs  ;  that  their  chairs,  tables, 
and  chests  were  covered  with  it,  and  even  their  cloths 
were  woven  with  it.  When  coral  was  shown  them 
Uiey  intimated  that  their  women  wore  it  profusely  as 
ornaments,  hanging  from  the  head  down  the  back. 
They  also  claimed  to  have  plenty  of  pepper,  and  to 
have  ships,  cannon,  bows  and  arrows,  swords,  and  all 
kinds  of  armor.  This  was  true  Indian  style,  and  there 
may  have  been  little  or  nothing  in  it ;  but  if  Columbus 
had  gone  westward  and  discovered  Yucatan  and 
Mexico,  who  may  conjecture  how  it  might  have 
improved  his  fortunes ! 

"  Upon  the  information  given  by  that  old  Indian,"* 
says  Herrera,  "  the  Admiral  forbore  proceeding  to  the 
westward,  which  would  have  carried  him  to  Yucatan 
and  New  Spain,  and,  steering  to  the  eastward,'  the  first 
land  he  saw  was  a  point,  which  he  called  de  Casinas, 
because  there  were  many  trees  on  it,  the  fruit  whereof 
is  a  sort  of  little  apples,  good  to  eat,  in  his  language 
called  casinas,  as  the  Admiral  said.     The  natives  that 

1  This  old  Indian  could  draw  a  rude  chart  of  the  coast,  and  probably  con- 
founding the  isthmus  with  the  Admiral's  notion  of  a  pass— for  they  could 
communicate  only  by  signs— completely  gained  his  confidence  as  a  guide  to 
the  riches  of  the  interior  of  India. 

-  'Chat  Columbus  came  eastward  against  the  westward  current,  which  sug- 
Rested  his  pass  to  India,  has  always  been  a  mystery.  Eut  if  Vespuccius's 
fust  voyage,  1497 -1498 -which  must  have  been  known  to  the  Admiral— was 
westwardlilong  the  Honduras  coast,  and  around  Yucatan,  the  Gulf  of  Mexico, 
and  Florida,  as  Varnhagen  has  clearly  shown,  it  is  but  in  accordance  with 
Columbus's  usual  good  sense  that  he  should  have  tried  a  new  route  in  search 
of  his  desired  pass,  especially  since  his  experienced  Indian  guide  assured  him 
th:U  such  pass  was  in  this  direction.  He  must  have  learned  by  this  time  that 
Cuba  was  an  island,  and  that  all  along  and  around  to  the  west  and  north 
was  a  continuous  pontinent. 


^*S«Sr>*48S«SB»'. 


.-i.^lis«A*5*^ViltiNw-fl**-A;-jM'i' 


.-2  CHICKENS  AND  BEANS. 

lived  nearest  to  that  point  wore  jackets  of  fine  colors, 
like  the  short  shirts  above  spoken  of,  and  small  clouts 
to  cover  their  nakedness.      On   vSunday,  the    14th   of 
August,  the  adelantado  went  ashore  with  many  of  the 
men  to  hear  mass,  as  they  generally  used  to  do  when 
they  had  an  opportunity ;  and  the  Wednesday  follow- 
ing he  went  again  to  take  possession  for  their  Catholic 
Majesties,  at  which  time  he  found  above  one  hundred 
of  the  natives  on  the  shore,  loaded  with  provisions,  as 
maize,  fowl,^  venison,  fish,  and  fruit.     When  they  came 
up  to  the  adelantado,  the    Indians  fell   back  without 
speaking  one  word,  and  he  ordered  they  should  give 
them  looking-glasses,  hawk's  bells,  pins,  and  the  like  ; 
and  the  next  day  above  two  hundred  men  appeared  in 
the  same  place,  loaded  with  such   victuals,  and  several 
sorts  of  lupines,-  like  beans,  and  other  fruit,  for  the 
country  is  very  fertile,  green,  and  beautiful,  where  there 
was  an  infinite  multitude  of  pine  trees,  oaks,  six  or 
seven  sorts  of  palms,  and  many  mirabolan-trees,  bear- 
ing a  pleasant  and  odoriferous  fruit.     They  understood 
that  there  were  leopards,  and  might  have  been  informed 
that  there  were  many  tigers.     Those  people  had  not 
great  foreheads,  like  the  islanders,  spoke  several  lan- 
guages ;  some  of  them  were  quite  naked,  others  only 
covered  their  privities,  and  others  wore  jackets  without 
sleeves,  that  reached  not  below  their  navels.      Their 
bodies  were  wrought  with    fire,  like   the   Moors,  some 
having  lions,  others  stags,  or  such  like  creatures  drawn 
on   them;   instead  of  caps,  they  wore  on  their   heads 
cotton  clouts,  white  and  red,  and  some  of  them  had  tufts 
of  hair  on  their  foreheads  like  fringes.  

~  Fernando  Columbus  says  the  fowls  were  large  white  hens  and  geese. 
»  Like  red  aud  white  Hidney-beans.  Fernando  says. 


COAST  OF  THE  EAR. 


473 


■  fine  colors, 
small  clouts 
the  14th  of 
many  of  the 
1  to  do  when 
esday  foUow- 
lieir  Catholic 
one  hundred 
provisions,  as 
en  they  came 
back  without 
7  should  give 
and  the  like ; 

I  appeared  in 
;,  and  several 
fruit,  for  the 
il,  where  there 

oaks,  six  or 
an-trees,  bear- 
ey  understood 
been  informed 
eople  had  not 
e  several  lan- 
d,  others  only 
ackets  without 
avels.  Their 
;  Moors,  some 
reatures  drawn 

II  their   heads 
them  had  tufts 

hens  and  geese. 


"  When  they  were  fine  for  their  festivals,  some  colored 
their  faces  black,  others  red,  others  streaked  with  several 
colors,  others  painted  their  chins  and  noses,  and  others 
made  their  eyes  very  black,  all  which  were  looked  upon 
as  great  ornaments.^  And  because  there  were  others 
along  that  coast  who  made  such  great  holes  in  their 
cars  that  an  egg  might  pass  through  them,  he  called 
that  part  la  Cosla  dc  la  Orrja,  or  the  Coast  of  the 
Ear." 

We  must  now  foUow  the  little  fleet  to  the  eastward, 
along  the  Honduras  coast,  stemming  the  current  which 
here  runs  westward  like  a  mighty  river,  and  beating 
against  contrary  winds.  To  quote  the  Admiral's  own 
huiguage  to  the  so\  ei"eigns :  "  Hence,  as  opportunity 
afforded,  I  pushed  on  for  terra  firma  in  spite  of  the  wind 
and  a  fearful  contrary  current,  against  which  I  con- 
tended for  sixty  days,  and  during  that  time  only  made 
.se\enty  leagues.  All  this  time  I  was  unable  to  get 
into  harbor,  nor  was  there  any  cessation  of  the  tempest, 
which  was  one  continuation  of  rain,  thunder  and  light- 
ning; indeed,  it  seemed  as  if  it  were  the  end  of  the  world. 
I  at  length  reached  the  Cape  of  Gracios  a  Dios,  and 
after  that  the  Lord  granted  me  fair  wind  and  tide  ;  this 
was  on  the  twelfth  of  September.  Eightj'-eight  days 
did  this  fearful  tempest  continue,  during  which  I  was  at 
sea,  and  saw  neither  sun  nor  stars ;  my  ships  lay  ex- 
posed, with  sails  torn,  and  anchors,  rigging,  cables,  boats, 
and  a  great  quantity  of  provisions  lost ;  my  people  were 
very  weak  and  humbled  in  spirit,  many  of  them  prom- 
ising to  lead  a  religious  life,  and  all  making  vows  and 
promising  to  perform  pilgrimages,  while  some  of  them 

'  To  the  boy  Fernando  Columbus  they  looked  like  devils. 


,^^gg^^iajft!«,g;(aaite«a^«ti-*i*s»ii*t=«>Ji*.*-^^ 


::^>t<*fi^t*j'T'-''»'^vii   <  *•    oVv,- 


474 


THE  TEMPEST. 


I 
I 


would  frequently  go  to  their  messmates  to  make  con- 
fession     Other  tempests  have  been   experienced,  but 
never  of  so  long  a  duration  or  so  fearful  as  this  ;  many 
whom  we  looked  upon  as  brave  men  on  several  occasions 
showed  considerable  trepidation  ;  but  the  distress  of  my 
son  who  was  with  me  grieved  me  to  the  soul,  and  the 
more  when  I  considered  his  tendei  age,  for  he  was  but 
thirteen  years  old,  and  he  enduring  so  much  toil  for  so 
long  a  time.     Our  Lord,  however,  gave  him   strength 
even  to   enable   him   to   encourage   tl.e   rest,  and   he 
worked  as  if  he  had  been  eighty  years  at  sea,  and  all 
this  was  a  consolation  to  me.     I  myself  had  fallen  sick, 
and  was  many  times  at  the  point  of  death,  but  from  a 
little  cabin  that  I  had  caused  to  be  constructed  on  deck 
I  directed  our  course.     My  brother  was  m  the  ship  that 
was  in  the  worst  condition  and  the  most  exposed  to 
danger;  and  my  grief  on  this  account  was  the  greater 
that  I  brought  him  with  me  against  his  will." 

An  inexpressible  relief  it  must  have  been  to  Colum- 
bus and  his  crews  when  the  ships  rounded  the  cape  to 
SO  south  along  what  is  now  known  as  the  Mosquito 
Coast     The  eastern  wind,  against  which  they  had  sailed 
with  so  much  toil  and  hardship  for  nearly  two  months, 
was  now  on  the  beam,  and  wafted  them  on  delightfully. 
In  pious  recognition  of  the  relief,  Columbus  named  the 
cape  Gracios  a  Dios-Thanks  to  God.     The  coast  land- 
scape along  which  they  sailed  was  greatly  varied.    Here 
a  bold  promontory,  rugged  and  craggy,  stretched  out  into 
the  sea  •  there  a  fertile  vale,  with  verdant  banks  laved 
by  charming  rivers,  delighted  the  eye.     At  the  month 
of  this  river  grew  immense  reeds,  large  as  a  man  s  leg , 

» Major's  Select  Letters. 


^•■«vW<t|feglMiWfir.«»»*wgi"**^^^J-'^'' 


.i>---*«<giv's*»s*-*'''e»*'««^'?''***^''**'***^*'" 


LA  HUERTA—THE  GARDEN. 


475 


»  make  coti- 
;rienced,  but 
this  ;  many 
ral  occasions 
istress  of  my 
soul,  and  the 
•  he  was  but 
ch  toil  for  so 
lim   strength 
rest,  and   he 
sea,  and  all 
ad  fallen  sick, 
:h,  but  from  a 
icted  on  deck 
the  ship  that 
5t  exposed  to 
IS  the  greater 
ill." ' 

!en  to  Colum- 
d  the  cape  to 
the  Mosquito 
hey  had  sailed 
y  two  months, 
1  delightfully. 
)us  named  the 
*he  coast  land- 
varied.  Here 
etched  out  into 
it  banks  laved 
At  the  mouth 
Ls  a  man's  leg ; 


the  outlet  of  another  swarmed  with  fishes,  tortoises,  and 
alligators.  That  cluster  of  twelve  small  islands  near 
the  coast  bore  a  fruit  resembling  the  lemon. 

Having  sailed  some  sixty-two  leagues  in  this  direc- 
tion, and  being  much  in  need  of  wood  and  water,  on  the 
1 6th  of  September  the  boats  were  sent  up  a  deep  river, 
l)ut  as  they  returned  a  strong  wind  from  off  the  sea 
brought  the  waves  with  such  force  against  the  current 
of  the  river  that  one  of  the  boats  was  engulfed,  and  all 
on  board  were  lost.  This  calamity  cast  a  gloom  over 
the  weary  crews,  and  the  Admiral  himself  was  so  im- 
pressed with  melancholy  that  he  named  this  river  El 
Rio  del  Disastrc. 

On  the  25th  of  September  they  reached  an  inviting 
place  of  anchorage,  in  the  mouth  of  a  river,  opposite 
which  was  a  most  enchanting  island,  covered  with 
luxuriant  groves  of  palms.  Plere  was  also  the  graceful 
banana,  with  its  curious  blossoms  and  fruit  at  the  same 
time  ;  the  cocoanut  tree,  and  a  most  fragrant  and 
hiscious  fruit  which  the  Admiral  mistook  for  the 
mirabolane  of  the  East  Indies.  So  odoriferous  and 
strikingly  beautiful  were  the  flowers  and  shrubs  on 
this  island  that  he  called  it  La  Huerta — The  Garden. 

vScarcely  a  league  away  was  an  Indian  town  named 
Cariari,  finely  located  on  a  river.  The  country  in 
every  direction  was  charmingly  diversified  with  hill 
and  dale,  and  most  luxuriant  fonests  of  such  height 
that,  as  Las  Casas  says,  they  seemed  to  reach  the  sky. 

The  natives,  alarmed  at  the  unwonted  appearance 
of  the  ships,  rushed  to  the  shores,  some  armed  "  with 
bows  and  arrows,  others  with  staves  of  palm-tree,  as 
black  as  a  coal  and  hard  as  horn,  pointed  with  the 


:[>ft>l'tf  '^    -f— -i»J'-B» 


-■^i^^i&:^^.^0^a^deti'iJi.v^ith>mi ' 


.-  ls!^^V**te*u'«W»'i'«>*-*< 


476 


WEAPONS  OF  WAR. 


1 


1 

ill 


bones  of  fishes,  others  with  clubs."^     The  men,  with 
hair  braided  and  wrapped  around  their  heads,  and  the 
women,  with  hair  trimmed  short,  were  all  alike  intent 
on   the   defence   of  their   country.      The   Spaniards, 
however,  made  no  attempt  to  land,  but  for  two  days 
remained  on  their  ships,  quietly  resting  or  looking 
after  their  damaged  provisions  and  their  ships,  already 
the  worse  for  the  voyage.      The  natives,  seeing  no 
signs   of    war   on    the   part  of    the    strangers,   were 
inclined  to  be  friendly.     Being  partially  clothed,  they 
take  off  their  mantles  and  wave  them  like  banners, 
thus  inviting  the  Spaniards  to  land.     They  even  swim 
to  the  ships,  bringing  their  rude  arms,  "  cotton  jerkins 
and  large  pieces  like  sheets,  and  guaninics,  which  is 
pale   gold   they  wear  about   their  necks."     But   the 
Admiral  will  not  trade.     He  will  only  make  presents, 
for  he  wants  the  savages  to  know  how  generous  these 

white  men  are ! 

The  natives  grow  more  earnest  when  they  discover 
the  strangers  are  not  disposed  to  laud,  and  beckon  to 
them  still  more  emphatically.  "  At  last,"  says  Fer- 
nando Columbus,  "perceiving  nobody  went  ashore, 
they  took  all  the  things  that  had  been  given  them, 
without  reserving  any,  and  tying  them  together,  left 
them  in  the  same  place  where  the  boats  first  went 
ashore,  and  where  our  men  found  them  on  the  Wed- 
nesday following,  when  they  landed.  The  Indians 
about  this  place,  believing  that  the  Christians  did  not 
confide  in  them,  they  sent  an  ancient  man  of  an  awful 
presence  with  a  flag  upon  a  staff,  and  two  girls,  the 
one  about  eight,  the  other  about  fourteen  years  of  age, 

»  Fernando  Columbus,  chapter  xci. 


J  ipiif  Mw*  tf"'BiiS 


TIVO  INDIAN  GIRLS. 


477 


E  men,  with 
ads,  and  the 
alike  iutent 
;  Spaniards, 
for  two  days 
\  or  looking 
liips,  already 
s,  seeing  no 
ngers,  were 
:lothed,  they 
ike  banners, 
:y  even  swim 
otton  jerkins 
lies.,  which  is 
5."  But  the 
ake  presents, 
;nerous  these 

they  discover 

id  beckon  to 

;t,"  says  Fer- 

went   ashore, 

given  them, 

together,  left 

Its  first  went 

on  the  Wed- 

The  Indians 

stians  did  not 

n  of  an  awful 

two  girls,  the 

years  of  age. 


who,  putting  them  into  the  boat,  made  signs  that  the 
Christians  might  safely  land.  Upon  their  request  they 
went  ashore  to  take  in  water,  the  Indians  taking  great 
care  not  to  do  anything  that  might  fright  the  Chris- 
tians, and  when  they  saw  them  return  to  their  ships 
they  made  signs  to  them  to  take  along  with  them  the 
young  girls  with  their  gnaninies  about  their  necks, 
and  at  the  request  of  the  old  man  that  conducted 
them  they  complied  and  carried  them  aboard." 

These  young  hostages  manifested  no  fear  whatever, 
but  deported  themselves  in  the  most  amiable  and 
modest  manner.  This  won  upon  the  Admiral,  who 
treated  them  most  generously — feasting  them,  clothing 
them,  and  afterwards  sending  them  ashore,  where  they 
were  received  with  marked  satisfaction.  In  the  evening 
the  Spaniards,  going  ashore  again,  met  the  girls,  sur- 
rounded by  a  multitude  of  their  friends.  All  the 
presents  were  returned.  If  the  gifts  of  these  savages 
could  not  be  accepted,  they  were  too  proud  to  be  put 
uuder  obligations  by  receiving  those  of  the  strangers. 
This  surely  was  a  remarkable  trait  of  independence 
which  one  cannot  fail  to  respect. 

Everything  was  done  by  the  Indians  to  win  the 
Spaniards.  The  adelantado  going  ashore  the  next  day, 
two  of  the  principal  persons,  wading  out  into  the  water 
to  meet  him,  lifted  him  out  of  his  boat  in  their  arms, 
carried  him  to  land,  and  in  the  mo,st  reverential  man- 
ner seated  him  on  a  grass  plot.  Thinking  this  was 
the  time  to  draw  out  information  from  them  as  to  the 
country,  he  began  to  ask  them  questions,  and  ordered  a 
notary  to  take  down  their  statements.  The  Indians 
looked  with  surprise  on  the  pen,  ink,  and  paper,  and 


»A>WStft>.«i.r>-M3:^*P»^g^ 


1 
I 


S 


I 


si'*' 


.yg  r//^  INDIANS  TAKE  FRIGHT. 

mistaking  the  act  of  writing  for  the  exercise  of  some 
necromatic  art,  fled  in  terror.     Returning  by  and  by 
they  .scattered  a  sweet-smelling  powder  in   the  air,  and 
burnt  some  of  it  in  such  a  way  as  to  cause  the  smoke  to 
go  towards  the  Christians,  as  if  they  were  trying  to 

counteract  some  evil  spell.  , ,  .    ,       i 

Before  the  ships  left,  the  Admiral  ordered  his  brother 
to  go  ashore,  along  with  a  number  of  others,  and  learn 
what  he  could  of  the  nature  of  the  country  and   the 
habits  of  the  people.     Though  he  did  not  find  pure 
gold,  he  saw  some  quite  extraordinary   sights.     In  a 
great  wooden  palace  covered  with  canes  were  "  several 
tombs,  in  one  of  which  there  was  a  dead  body  dried  up 
and  embalmed;  in  another,  two  bodies  wrapped  up  in 
cotton  sheets,  without  any  ill  scent ;  and  over  each  tomb 
was  a  board  with  the  figures  of  beasts  carved  on  it,  and 
on  some  of  them  the  effigies  of  the  person  buried  there, 
adorned  with  guaninics,  beads,  and  other  things  they 
most  value.     These  being  the  most  civilized  Indians  in 
those  parts,  the  Admiral  ordered  one  to  be  taken  and 
learn  of  him  the  secrets  of  the  country;  and  of  seven 
that  were  taken,  two  of  the  chiefest  were  picked  out 
and  the  rest  sent  away  with  some  gifts  and  civil  enter- 
tainment, that  the  country  might  not  be  left  in  an  up- 
roar, telling  them  they  were  to  serve  as  guides  upon 
that  coast,  and  then  be  set  at  liberty.     But  they  believ- 
ing they  were  taken   out  of  covetousness,  that   they 
might  ransom  themselves  with  their  goods  and  things  of 
value,  the  next  day  abundance  of  them  came  down  to 
the  shore  and  sent  four  aboard  the   Admiral  as  their 
embassadors,  to  treat  about  the  ransom,  offering  some 
things,  and  freely  giving  two  hogs  of  the  country,  which, 


t,*««ia««Mfr*««»aw^ 


gpBSBtaa^liftifeSlieiisarAg-aWiSffeBfc^^^ 


NT. 

srcise  of  some 
ig  by  and  by, 
11  the  air,  and 
e  the  smoke  to 
,'ere  trying  to 

red  his  brother 
ers,  and  learn 
mtry  and   the 
not  find  pure 
sights.     In  :i 
were  "  sevei"al 
body  dried  up 
wrapped  up  in 
over  each  tomb 
Tved  on  it,  and 
m  buried  there, 
er  things  they 
ized  Indians  in 
be  taken  and 
;  and  of  seven 
ere  picked  oiit 
and  civil  enter- 
e  left  in  an  up- 
as guides  upon 
But  they  believ- 
ness,  that   they 
•ds  and  things  of 
Qi  came  down  to 
dmiral  as  their 
a,  offering  some 
I  country,  which, 


A  BEAUTIFUL  PAT. 


479 


though  small,  are  very  wild.  The  Admiral,  therefore, 
observing  the  policy  of  the  people,  was  more  desirous 
to  be  acquainted  with  them,  and  would  not  depart  till 
he  had  learned  something  of  them,  but  would  not  give 
ear  to  their  offers.  He  therefore  ordered  some  trifles 
lo  be  given  to  the  messengers,  that  they  might  not 
jro  away  dissatisfied,  and  that  they  should  be  paid 
for  their  hogs.'" 

On  the  5th  of  October  the  Admiral  was  again  under 
way.     Passing  along  what  is  now  called  Costa  Rica, 
or  Rich  Coast,  after  sailing  some  twenty-two  leagues, 
he  entered  a  magnificent  bay,  six  leagues  in  length 
and  three  in  breadth.     There  were  three  or  four  en- 
trances, and  it  was  full  of  the  most  enchanting  islands, 
laden  with  fruits  and  flowers,  and  the  channels  be- 
tween them  being  so  deep  and  clear  that  they  seemed 
like  the  canal  streets  of  a  city.     As  the  vessels  passed 
along,  "  the  boughs  of  the  trees  touched  the  shrouds 
and  rigging."     Having  cast  anchor,  the  boats  landed 
on  one  of  these  charming  islands.     Here  were  twenty 
canoes,  the  people  being  near   by,  among   the   trees. 
Their  timidity,  if  they  had  any,  was  soon  removed  by 
the   encouraging   words   of  the   Indian   guides   from 
Cariari,  and  they  approached  the  Spaniards  for  barter. 
Here  was  the  first  pure  gold  found  along  these  coasts. 
The  natives  had  large  plates  of  this  precious  metal 
hung  to  their  necks  by  cotton  C9rds.     Some  of  the 
guanin  or  poor  gold,  also,  in  the  shape  of  eagles,  they 
had.     So  unconscious  were  these  natives  of  the  value 
of  pure  gold  that  one  of  them  exchanged  a  large  plate 
of  it,  weighing  ten  ducats,  for  three    hawk's    bells. 

>  Fernando  Columbus,  chapter  xci. 


*:,^^Ji^,^4BiMArip^S^4l^^^*■tt*■■A^:«*A^ai*^X■-&^i^^^ 


480 


INDIA  N  ORNA  ME  NTS, 


I 

I 


t 

r 


Not  far  away,  on  the  continent,  there  was  plenty  of  it, 

they  said. 

The  next  day  the  boats  went  to  the  mainland  at 
the  lower  end  of  the  bay.     The  shores  were  abrupt 
and  hilly,  the  houses  being  grouped  in  villages  about 
the   highest   points   of   the   landscape.       Behold    the 
Indians  in  those  ten  canoes,  their  heads  adorned  with 
flowers  and  rude  coronets  made  of  beasts'  claws  and 
birds'  quills  1     Nearly  all  of  them  have  plates  of  gold 
about  their  necks,  but  they  will  not  part  with  them. 
How  the  Spaniards  covet  one  of  those  plates,  worth 
fourteen   ducats,    and   that   eagle    worth    twenty-two 
ducats!      But  plenty  of  this  metal  can  be  obtained 
along     the     coast— particularly     at    Veragua,    some 
twenty-five  leagues  distant.     So  say  the  natives.     But 
the  Admiral  will  not  be  delayed  by  barter,  for  he  is 
in  haste  to  find  that  strait  mapped  out  in   his   head 
for  so  long  a  time. 

But  the  Spaniards  cannot  leave  till  they  have 
caught  some  of  those  fishes  of  which  there  are  abun- 
dant shoals  in  this  bay.  They  also  hunt  the  wild 
animals  along  the  shore,  and  examine  the  roots  used 
as  food,  and  the  grain  and  flowers.  "  The  men,  who 
are  painted  all  over,  face  and  body,  of  several  colors, 
as  red,  black,  and  white,  go  naked,  only  covering 
their  privities  with  a  narrow  cotton  cloth. "^ 

From  this  bay,  called  Caravaro,  they  put  out  on  the 
17th,  and  enter  the  river  Guaig,  some  twelve  leagues 
farther  on.  On  attempting  to  land,  they  encounter 
two  hundred  Indians,  armed  with  clubs  and  wooden 
swords  and  lances.      They  rush  into  the  water  up  to 

>  Fernando  Columbus,  chapter  xcii. 


^i».ia,*i,,g,.aiiB*ai«w*e«'i»«(i*^^ 


INDIAN  THREATS. 


481 


J  plenty  of  it, 

\  mainland  at 

3  were  abrupt 

villages  about 

Behold    the 

adorned  with 
sts'  claws  and 
plates  of  gold 
rt  with  them. 

plates,  worth 
h  twenty-two 
n  be  obtained 
eragua,    some 

natives.  But 
arter,  for  he  is 
t  in    his    head 

[ill  they  have 
there  are  abun- 
hunt  the  wild 
the  roots  used 
The  men,  who 
several  colors, 
only    covering 

put  out  on  the 
twelve  leagues 
they  encounter 
lbs  and  wooden 
the  water  up  to 


their  middle,  brandish  their  weapons,  blow  their  conch- 
shells,  beat  their  wooden  drums,  throw  salt-water  at 
the  strangers,  and  squirt  at  them  the  juice  of  the 
herbs  they  are  chewing — tobacco,  perhaps.  But  the 
Spaniards  beckoned  to  them  in  a  cordial  manner,  and 
the  native  interpreters  spoke  goodly  words  for  them, 
and  these  savages  were  .soon  showing  themselves 
friendly  by  trading  away  for  a  few  trinkets  seventeen 
plates  ofj^o/d^  worth  one  hundred  and  fifty  ducats. 

The  next  day,  the  Spaniards  came  ashore  again  to 
renew  their  trade.  They  found  the  Indians  sitting 
along  the  shore,  in  a  sort  of  booths  they  had  extempo- 
rized during  the  night,  and  were  afraid  to  land.  They 
called  to  them,  but  none  would  come.  Presently  the 
Indians  blew  their  conchs,  beat  their  drums,  gave 
their  war-whoop  as  they  ran  into  the  water  almost  up 
to  the  boats,  and  threatened  to  hurl  their  darts  if  the 
strangers  did  not  go  away.  This  was  a  little  too 
much  for  the  Spaniards.  They  shot  a  cross-bow  and 
wounded  one  in  the  arm,  then  fired  a  cannon  ;  and  the 
Indians,  "  thinking  that  the  sky  was  falling  upon 
them,  took  to  their  heels,  striving  who  should  be 
foremost."  Now  they  were  in  a  mood  for  trade.^  Four 
of  the  Spaniards  landed,  "  and  calling  them  back,  they 
came  very  peaceably,  leaving  their  arms  behind 
them,  and  exchanged  three  plates  of  gold,  saying  they 
had  no  more,  because  they  did  ngt  come  prepared  to 
trade,  but  to  fight." 

Fully  in  the  conviction  that  the  supremely  desired/a« 
is  in  this  direction,  the  Admiral  continues  along  the 
coast,  and  they  soon  anchor  in  the  mouth  of  a  river 
called  Cotiba.      Here.  ^Isp,  the   Indians  are  up  in 


ayiNriitf'^^*»c^ir.^^>»'fi"i^-'^^^a*feg^''^^''^^saB  -■^.s^ft*^  fc-tM^^^ 


1  i; 
i  'i 


I 


^R2         liMi'lElilNC.    WITH  THE  INDIANS. 

arms.     The  forests  echo  to  the  sound  of  conchs  aiid 
druius— the    people    arc    beiiiK   called  out  iti  dcfeiuc 
a^aiust  the  strauKcrs.     Now  a  canoe  with  two  Indians 
conies    off  from    the    shore,  and    inquires    who   these 
stran^a^  beings  'ire  and  what  they  want.     I':xclianKniK 
a  few  words  with   the  interpreters   from  Cariari,  they 
are  conciliated,  and  come  on  board  the  AdniiraVs  ship 
in  the  most  cordial   manner,  trading  the  roUI  plates 
suspended  from  their  necks  for  trinkets.     vSatisfied  as 
to  the  peaceable  intention  of  the  strangers,  they  k" 
ashore  to  report  the  same  to  their  cacique.     Now  tlicte 
comes  another  canoe  with  three  Indiav.s.     They  also 
barter   the   gold    plates   from   their  necks.      "  Amity 
thus  settled,  our  men  went  ashore,  where  they  found 
abundance  of  people,  with  their  king,  who  differed  in 
nothing  from  the  rest  but  that  he  was  covered  with 
one  leaf  of  a  tree,  because  at  that  time  it  rained  hard ; 
and  to  give  his  subjects  a  good  example  he  exchanged 
a  plate  of  the  precious  metal  and  bade  them  barter  for 
theirs,  which    in    all   were   nineteen   ducats   of  pure 

gold."' 

The  signs  of  civilization  were  surely  encouraging, 

for  here  was  a  solid  structure  of  stone  and  mortar. 

But  it  would  not  do  to  tarry.     Before  a  fresh  breeze, 

they  ran  past  some  five  towns,  where,  the  interpreters 

said,  there  was  plenty  of  gold.     Here,  indeed,  in  Vera- 

gua,  which   name   afterwards   spread   over  the  whole 

region,  the  plates  of  gold  were  made  which  they  had 

seen  along  the  coast.     The  next  day,  as  they  came  to 

a  town  called  Ciibiga,  the  natives  affirmed  that  they 

had  reached  the  end  of  the  gold  coast.     But  this  goH 

J  Fernando  Colunibus. 


a-aaB^6a»^«*i'^^«^^^^^*KB^^t^w^^*'^''*'*' ' 


lANS. 

)f  conclis  an<l 
lit  in  defcMU'i.' 
li  two  Indians 
;s    who   iIk'si' 

ExcluinKi"K 
Cariari,  tlicv 
UhniraVs  ship 
le  gokl  plates 
.     vSatisfied  as 
ijrcrs,  they  k" 
c.     Now  thcie 
IS.     They  also 
:ks.      "  Amity 
:re  they  found 
,vho  differed  in 
s  covered  witii 
t  rained  hard ; 
he  exchanged 
iheni  barter  for 
iucats   of  pure 

y  encouraging, 
ne  and  morlar. 
a  fresh  brec/e, 
he  interpreters 
ndeed,  in  Vera- 
jver  the  whole 
which  they  had 
as  they  came  to 
rmed  that  they 
But  this  gold 


T/fi:  sr/xwrn 


4«3 


region  they  were  thus  leaving  behind  could  l^e 
explored  at  any  time.  The  grand  desiderjitum  now 
was  the  .v//y///— alias  Malacca.  All  un\^'ittingly,  tlie 
iiulians  were  helping  to  form  a  great  delusion  in  the 
mind  of  the  Admiral.  The  narrow  place  they  spoke  of— 
just  at  hand — between  the  two  seas  was  not  "  /ui/row 
li'iitct;''  as  he  understood  them,  but  "  tuirnnv  land''' 
Hut  the  mere  language  of  gestures  on  the  part  of 
these  savages  was  too  awkward  to  be  discriminating 
to  the  prejudiced  mind  of  Columbus,  so  on  they 
went  for  the  "  ,s7;v///."  Somewhere  just  the  other  side 
of  this  promising  terra  jirma  he  would  find  all  the 
wealth  of  India.'  Alas  1  the  rich  country  the  natives 
wore  describing  to  him  was  as  delusive  as  the  strait ;  for 
they,  in  all  probability,  simply  had  vague  conceptions 

'  The  vision  which  now  allured  Coliimbufi  cnn  best  be  given  in  h in  own 
wouls  to  the  Hoverei^jns  concornin«  this  voyage,  written  from  yamaica: 
•As  I  hud  founil  everything  true  that  had  been  told  me  in  the  diflTerent 
pliuis  which  1  had  vinited,  I  felt  satisfied  it  would  be  the  same  with  respect 
tn  Ciijuare,  which,  according  to  their  account,  is  nine  days' journey  across 
tlic  country  westward  ;  they  tell  me  there  is  a  great  quantity  of  gold  there, 
aiul  that  the  inhabitants  wear  coral  ornami'nt*  on  their  heads,  «nd  very 
i;ir;,'i-  coral  bracelets  and  anklets,  with  which  article  also  they  adorn  and 
■ml.iy  their  seats,  boxes,  and  tables.  They  also  said  that  the  women  there 
wore  necklaces  hanginj,'  down  to  their  shoulde»8.  All  the  people  agree  in 
the  report  I  now  repeat,  and  their  account  is  so  favorable  that  I  should  be 
content  with  the  tithe  of  the  advantages  that  their  description  holds  out. 
TIkv  are  .ill  likewise  acquainted  with  the  pepper-plant.  According  to  the 
acKuint  of  these  people,  the  inhabitantH  of  Ciguare  are  accustomed  to  hold 
fairs  and  markets  for  carrying  on  their  commerce,  and  they  showed  me  also 
the  mode  and  form  ill  which  they  transact  their  various  exchanges;  others 
assert  that  their  ships  carry  guns,  and  that  the  men  go  clothed  and  use  bows 
and  arrows,  swords,  and  cuirasses,  and  that  on  shore  they  have  horses, 
which  they  use  in  battle,  and  that  they  wear  rich  clothes  and  have  most 
excellent  houses.  They  also  say  that  the  sea  surrounds  Ciguare,  and  that 
at  ten  days'  journey  from  thence  is  the  river  Ganges;  these  lands  appear  to 
liold  the  same  relation  to  Veragua  as  Tortosa  to  Fontarabia,  or  Pisa  to 
Venice." 


i^aftt^^w^vJW'^-j  ■••"'  ■ 


ijsiris».-*«i*'«B!i*#«i««i«a««> 


«.jii«»rtri.a^«>«*lK'»**t»K<W*****  **^''^''^~'®'^  *"^ 


I'- 


0: 


lis 


i 

5fc 


-ft: 


lb 


484 


PUERTO  BELLO. 


of  the  wealthy  and  semi-civilized  nations  of  Central  or 

South  America. 

On  the  2d  of  November    the   squadron   entered  a 
larP-e  and  charming  harbor.     In  every  direction,  the 
elevated  kndscape  had  the  aspect  of  high  cultivation. 
The  houses,  about  a  stone's  throw  or  bow-shot  from 
each  other,  were  in  the  midst  of  fruit-trees,  graceful 
groves  of  palm,  corn-fields,  and  gardens  abounding  m 
vegetables  and  pineapples.      This   delightsome  spot 
Columbus  named   Puerto   Bello— Port  Beautiful.     A 
whole  week  of  storm  shut  them   in   here.      But  the 
scene  was  enlivened  by  the  native  canoes:  going  and 
coming  constantly,  with  fruits,  vegetables,  and  balls 
of  cotton  finely   spun,  "  which   they   gave   for  some 
trifles,  such   as   points   and   pins."      Gold   there  was 
none,  except  the  simal  plates  hanging  from  the  noses 
of  the   cacique   and  his   seven  principal  men.     The 
naked  bodies  of  these  people  were  painted  red,  and  by 
way  of  contrast  the  cacique  was  black. 

On  the  9th  of  November  the  fleet  went  to  a  point 
since  called Nombre  de  Dios,  eight  leagues  farther  on; 
but  the  next  day  they  were  forced  back  one-half  that 
distance  by  stress  of  weather,  and  took  refuge  behind 
a  group  of  islands.  In  every  direction,  on  the  islands 
and  on  the  mainland,  fields  of  Indian  corn  and  fruit 
and  vegetable  gardens  greeted  the  eye ;  so  the  Ad- 
miral called  this  place  Puerto  de  Bastimentos— Port  oi 

Provisions. 

Here  they  remained  about  two  weeks,  repairing  their 
leaky  vessels,  which  the  teredos  of  these  tropical  seas 
had  thoroughly  riddled.  During  this  stay  they  had 
at  least  one  amusing  incident.     A  boat  well  manned 


"*^  ^"-MSwBBi^n^^ijfe^^^^^ 


S;te»»s8»SW«Wi«»Shtoffl'«!*M^^ 


■S»i«aawi>~*NMKgi«wiajaiwgM»^<^f''' " 


EL  REIRETE. 


485 


)ns  of  Central  or 

idroii  entered  a 
ry  direction,  the 
high  cultivation. 
)r  bow-shot  from 
lit-trees,  graceful 
;ns  abounding  in 
lelightsome  spot 
rt  Beautiful.     A 

here.  But  the 
canoes:  going  and 
:tables,  and  balls 
^   gave   for  some 

Gold  there  was 
g  from  the  noses 
cipal  men.  The 
.inted  red,  and  by 
k. 

et  went  to  a  point 
lagues  farther  on ; 
ack  one-half  that 
00k  refuge  behind 
on.  on  the  islands 
ian  corn  and  fruit 
»  eve ;  so  the  Ad- 
stimentos — Port  ot 

;ks,  repairing  their 
these  tropical  seas 
his  stay  they  had 
boat  well  manned 


went  in  pursuit  of  a  canoe,  and  the  Indians,  taking 
fright  as  they  came  within  a  stone's  throw,  plunged 
into  the  water  to  try  their  chances  of  escape  by  swim- 
ming. The  Spaniards  pulled  the  oars  with  all  their 
might  for  a  mile  and  a  half,  but  could  not  overtake 
one  of  them  ;  for  as  they  approached  an  Indian  he 
would  "  dive  like  a  duck,  and  come  up  a  bow-shot  or 
two  from  the  place."  The  boy  Fernando  enjoyed  this 
chase  exceedingly,  and  seemed  pleased  to  see  the 
boat  return  without  so  much  as  an  Indian,  after  such 
strenuous  and  exhaustive  exertions. 

November  23d  they  sailed  farther  on,  and  stopped 

at  a  place  called  Guiga,  where  they  found  some  three 

hundred  natives  ready  to  trade  away  provisions  and 

small  gold  ornaments  in  their  noses  and  ears  for  the 

usual   trinkets.      Again   they   hoisted   sail.     On   the 

24th  boisterous   weather  drove   the  squadron  into  a 

small  harbor,  which  the  Admiral  named  El  Retrete, 

''  that  is.  Retired  Place,  because  it  could  not  contain 

above  five  or  six  ships  together,  and  the  mouth  of  it 

was  not   above   fifteen   or  twenty  paces  over,  and  on 

both  sides  of  it  rocks  appearing  above  the  water  as 

sharp   as   diamonds,  and   the   channel  between  them 

was  so  deep  that  they  found  no  bottom,  though  if  the 

ships  inclined  never  so  little  to  either  side  the  men 

might  leap  ashore.'"     Both  Las  Casas  and  Fernando 

Columbus  think   that   the   Admiral   was  duped  into 

this  retreat  by  the  desire  on  the  part  of  his  men  sent 

to  examine  the  place  to  communicate  slyly  with  the 

natives.     As  the  water  was  so  deep   that  the   vessels 

could  not  anchor,  except  near  the  bank,  the  sailors 

>  Life  of  Columbus  by  his  son,  chapter  xciiu 


S*tt-i  ■JtS(lte»ff-''*"«^«' 


.  ;.;5iniy(a^-«A=bBl*A.'f-*-WrV;s**"Vti  «jrt-   l^  V.s(*.-w*. 


:>,s 


486    TllI"^  INDIANS  DEFT  THE  SPANIARDS. 

used  to  get  away  among  the  natives  at  night  without 
permission.     At  first  they  were  entertained  with  the 
usual  hospitality,  but  their  conduct  was  so  outrageously 
covetous  and  licentious  that  their  hosts  soon  sought 
revenge.     Every  night  there  were  brawls,  and  before 
long  there  was  bloodshed  on  both  sides.      Now  the 
nearness  of  the  ships  to  the  shore  was  as  convenient 
for  an  attack  from  the  enraged  Indians  as  it  had  been 
for  the  nightly  escapes  of  the  sailors.     The  Admiral 
was  obliged  to  resort  to  his  guns.     But  the  mere  noisy 
discharges  of  powder  failed  to  terrify  them.     The  sav- 
age throngs  had  become  skeptical  of  the  divine  nature 
of  these  beings,  worse  than  human,  and  they  responded 
to  the  noise  and  smoke  with  shrieks  and  yells,  and 
threshing  the  trees  with  their  clubs  and  lances.     This 
would  never  do.     The  ships  were  too  near  the  shore 
to  risk  being  boarded  in  an  instant  by  this  infuriated 
mob  of  savages.     The  guns  were  loaded  with  balls, 
and  aimed  at  a  hillock  on  which  the  natives  were  clus- 
tered.    Now  the  general  havoc  "  made  them  sensible 
there  was  a  thunderbolt  as  well  as  thunder,"  and  they 
fled  in  terror  once  and  for  all. 

We  must  not  leave  this  close  retreat  without  look- 
ing about  on  the  shore.     All  around  the  land  is  low 
and  level,  the  grass  being  thin,  and  the  trees  scattered 
here  and  there— the  whole  having  the  effect  of  a  sort 
of  open  park.     Sec  those  alligators  which  crawl  out 
here  in  vast  numbers  to  sun  themselves  on  the  beach  . 
The  air  is  impregnated  with  their  odor,  "  as  if  all  the 
musk  in  the  world  were  together."     The  Indians  say 
that  they  will  drag  a  sleeping  man  into  the  water ;  but 
tney  seem  quite  timorous,  and  hustle  into  the  sea  like 
frightened  seals  when  attacked. 


mu 
of 


li 


TAIiDS. 

ght  without 
ed  with  the 
Dutrageously 
soon  sought 
s,  and  before 
;.       Now  the 
s  convenient 
s  it  had  been 
rhe  Admiral 
lie  mere  noisy 
m.     The  sav- 
divine  nature 
ley  responded 
nd  yells,  and 
lances.     This 
ear  the  shore 
his  infuriated 
sd  with  balls, 
ives  were  clus- 
them  sensible 
ler,"  and  they 

without  look- 
e  land  is  low 
trees  scattered 
effect  of  a  sort 
hich  crawl  out 
s  on  the  beach ! 
"as  if  all  the 
he  Indians  say 
the  water;  but 
nto  the  sea  like 


THE  CRE  WS  ARE  IMPA  TIE  NT.  487 

There  was  yet  another  phase  to  this  weather-bound 
life  of  two  weeks  in  El  Retrete,  among  savages  and 
alligators.     The  crews  were  becoming  exceeding  im- 
patient to  turn  back.  "  That  strait  "—what  was  the  use 
of  running  after  that  strait  ?     What  would  they  carry 
back  from  it  ?     Better  return  to  the  gold  coast  they  had 
been  passing.     Who  could  tell  how  much  wealth  they 
lni^rht  take  home  from  thence?     Many  of  the  more 
ignorant  and  superstitious  believed  ^hat  the  strong  east 
and  northeast  winds  shutting  them  in  were  the  result 
of  sorcery  on  the  part  of  the  Indians.      And   what 
defence    could     there    be   against    such    witchcraft? 
The  officers  cried  out  against  the  crazy,  worm-eaten 
ships.     In  the  tempests  which  threatened  them  these 
^vould  be  crushed  like  mere  shells.     Even  the  Admiral 
himself  might  well  be  wondering  why  he  did  not  reach 
the  much-desired  strait,  and  would  surely  become  con- 
vinced  of  the  folly  of  increasing  the    distance   from 
home  with  such  mutinous  crews  and  unsafe  crafts.     He 
would  go  back 'to  Veragua  and  lay  in  a  store  of  gold, 
which  might  more  than  compensate  for  his  failure  in 
finding  the  "  strait,"  and  thus  silence  the  cavillings 
of  his  enemies.* 

"  Here,  then,"  says  Irving,  "  ended  the  lofty  anticipa- 
tions which  had  elevated  Columbus  above  all  mercenary 
inierests,  which  had  made  him  regardless  of  hardship^ 

"T"Bastida8,  in  hU  recent  voyage,  had  reached  this  point.  Whether  thi. 
was  known  to  Columbus  is  not  certain.  On  his  way  out,  as  he  touched  at 
San  Domingo,  where  that  navigator  then  was,  he  may  have  gained  such  in- 
telli-ence,  or  the  natives  around  Veragua  may  have  advised  him.  At  any 
rate  it  must  now  have  been  pretty  clear  to  the  Admiral  that  the  coast  was 
•practically  discovered  from  Trinidad  to  Guanaja.  and  that  between  these 
two  islands  is  a  shore-line  of  continent  unbroken  by  any  strait."-/^.  H. 
BancrofCs  History  of  Central  America,  vol.  I,  p.  ai?- 


MH'MMSiiffiaseiWBie^ 


U«.i.f  *  »  «-*(*^  T 


1 
I 


4.SS 


HEAD   WINDS. 


m 


1 

%: 


■A 


•  l| 


and  perils  and  had  given  an  heroic  character  to  the 
early  part  of  this  voyage.  It  is  true,  he  had  been  in 
pursuit  of  a  mere  chimera,  but  it  was  the  chimera  of  a 
splendid  imagination  and  a  penetrating  judgment.  If 
he  was  disappointed  in  his  expectation  of  finding  a 
strait  through  the  Isthmus  of  Darien,  it  was  because 
nature  herself  had  been  disappointed,  for  she  appears 
to  have  attempted  to  make  one,  but  to  have  attempted  it 

in  vain." 

On  the  5th  of  December  the  squadron  put  out  from 
El  Retrete,  and  sailing  ten  leagues  westward  anchored 
at  night  in  Puerto  Bello.  They  had  barely  passed  into 
the  open  sea  the  next  day  when  the  wind  shifted  to  the 
west.  For  three  months  he  had  hoped  in  vain  for  a 
wind  in  this  direction.  It  seemed  as  if  the  wind  was 
bound  to  be  against  him.  Should  he  turn  back  and  re- 
new his  search  for  the  strait  ^  A  west  wind  never  lasted 
long  in  that  region,  at  least  at  that  time  of  year. 
Probably  it  would  soon  change. 

The  wind  increased  and  shifted  about  so  from  point 
to  point  that  the  sailors  were  completely  baffled.     Again 
they  headed  for  Puerto  Bello,  but  when,  after  great  effort 
in  getting  back,  they  awaited  a  favorable  wind  to  enter, 
it  suddenly  blew  furiously  off  shore,  driving  the  vessels 
out  to  sea.     The  sky  was  darkened,  the  clouds  were 
heavily  charged  with  electricity,  and  a  most  unparalleled 
tempest  arose.     "  Never,"  says  Columbus,  "  was  the  sea 
so  high,  so  terrific,  and  so  covered  with  foam ;  not  only 
did  the  wind  oppose  our  proceeding  onward,  but  it  also 
rendered  it  highly  dangerous  to  run  in  for  any  head- 
land, and  kept  me  in  that  sea,  which  seemed  to  me  as  a 
sea  of  blood,  seething  like  a  cauldron  on  a  mighty  fire. 


\m0>fi'^^^ii^^»3smxmmmmssi(i^ 


icter  to  the 
had  been  iu 
:himera  of  a 
dgnient.  If 
)f  finding  a 
was  because 
she  appears 
attempted  it 

rat  out  from 
ird  ancliored 
y  passed  into 
shifted  to  the 
n  vain  for  a 
he  wind  was 
back  and  re- 
i  never  lasted 
ime   of  year. 

;o  from  point 
ffled.  Again 
er  great  effort 
vind  to  enter, 
ig  the  vessels 
clouds  were 
t  unparalleled 
"  was  the  sea 
im ;  not  only 
rd,  but  it  also 
for  any  head- 
led  to  me  as  a 
a  mighty  fire. 


A  TEMPEST.  489 

Never  did  the  sky  look  more  fearful ;  during  one  day 
and  one  night  it  burned  like  a  furnace,  and  every  in- 
stant I  looked  to  see  if  my  masts  and  my  sails  were  not 
destroyed,  for  the  lightnings^flashed  with  such  alarm- 
ing fury  that  we  all  thought 'the  ships  must  have  been 
consumed.     All  this  time  the  waters  from  heaven  never 
ceased  descending,  not  to  say  that  it,  rained,  for  it  was 
like  a  repetition  of  the  deluge.     The  meti  were  at  this 
time  so  crushed  in  spirit  that  they  longed  for  death  as 
a  deliverance  from  so  many  martyrdoms.    Twice  already 
had  the  ships  suffered  loss  in  boats,  anchors,  and  rig- 
gings, and  were  now  lying  bare  without  sails."      Fer- 
nando says,  "  When  we  were  most  in  hopes  to  get  into 
port  we  were  quite  beat  off  again,  and  sometimes  with 
such  thunder  and  lightning  that  the    men  durst  not 
open  their  eyes.  The  ships  seemed  to  be  just  sinking,  and 
the  sky  to  come  down.     Sometimes  the  thunder  was  .so 
continued  that  it  was  concluded  some  ship  fired  its  can- 
non to  desire  assistance.     Another  time  there  would  fall 
such  storms  of  rain  that  it  would  last  violently  for  two 
or  three  days,  insomuch  that  it  looked   like   another 
universal   deluge.      This   perplexed  all  the  men  and 
made  them  almost  despair,  seeing  they  could  not  get 
half  an  hour's  rest,  being  continually  wet,  turning  some- 
times   one   way   and   sometimes-   another,   struggling 
against  all  the  elements,  and  dreading  them  all ;  for  in 
such  dreadful  storms  they  dread  the  fire  in  flashes  of 
lightning,  the  air  for  its  fury,  the  water  for  the  terrific 
waves,  and  the  earth  for  the  hidden  rocks  and  sands." 
But  the  storm  reached  its  climax  on  Tuesday,  the  13th, 
when  a  great  whirling  cone  rose  out  of  the  waves,  and 
mounting  towards  the  heavens  met  a  like  cone,  which 


!tos«as^««ia»i5''*~ 


m 


490 


A   WATER-SPOUT. 


whirled  downwards  from  the  inky  clouds,  and  the  two, 
joining  in  an  angrv  column   connecting  sea  and  sky, 
moved    furiously  toward   the  ships.      Every  face  was 
ghastly  white  and  shrieks  of  despair  arose.     The  Ad- 
miral was  stretched  on  his  couch  on  deck,  helpless  with 
a  raging  fever.     Alarmed  by  the  cries  of  the  sailors,  he 
sprang  up  to  behold  the  writhing  column  almost  upon 
him.     Did  ever  man  face  a  more  stupendous  peril  ?     In 
the  helplessness  of  the  moment  he  began  to  recite  the 
gospel  of  St.  John,  describing  a  cross  in  the  air  with 
his  sword.     The  whirling,  dancing  column,  uniting  the 
ocean  beneath  and  the  clouds  above,  passed  between  the 
ships  and  on  out  of  sight,  causing  no  harm   beyond 
making  the  water  to  boil  and  toss  in  every  direction. 

"  The  ships  being  now  almost  shattered  to  pieces  with 
the  tempest,"  says  Fernando  Columbus,  "and  the  men 
quite  spent  with  labor,  a  day  or  two's  calm  gave  them 
some  respite,  and   brought  such  multitudes  of  sharks 
about  the  ships  that   they   were   dreadful   to  behold, 
especially  for  such  as  are  superstitious,  because,  as  it 
is  reported  that  ravens  at  a  great  distance  smell  out 
dead  bodies,  so  some  think  these  sharks  do,  which  if 
they  lay  hold  of  a  man's  arm  or  leg  cut  it  off  like  a 
razor  for  they  have  two  rows  of  teeth  in  the  nature  of 
a  saw.     Such  a  multitude  of  these  were  killed  with  the 
hook  and  chain  that,  being  able  to  destroy  no  more, 
they  lay  swimming  about  the  water,  and  they  are  so 
greedy  that  they  do  not  only  bite  at  carrion,  but  may 
be  taken  with  a  red  rag  upon  the  hook.     I  have  seen  a 
tortoise  taken  out  of  the  belly  of  one  of  these  sharks, 
and  it  after^vards  lived  aboard  the  ship  ;  but  out  of  an- 
other was  taken  the  whole  head  of  one  of  his  own  kind. 


'**«««iiiMic^Me9£«ss^«e%b't««i 


S//A/fA'S. 


491 


,11  d  the  two, 
a  and  sky, 
y  face  was 
.  The  Ad- 
elpless  with 
e  sailors,  he 
ihiiost  upon 
5  peril  ?  In 
to  recite  the 
he  air  with 

uniting  the 
between  the 
irm   beyond 

direction. 
3  pieces  with 
ind  the  men 
11  gave  them 
es  of  sharks 
I  to  behold, 
>ecause,  as  it 
ce  smell  out 

do,  which  if 

it  off  like  a 
the  nature  of 
illed  with  the 
oy  no  more, 
.  they  are  so 
ion,  but  may 
[  have  seen  a 

these  sharks, 
lut  out  of  an- 
his  own  kind. 


we  having  cut  it  off  and  thrown  it  into  the  water,  as  not 
good  to  eat,  no  more  than  they  are  themselves,  and 
that  shark  had  swallowed  it,  and  to  us  it  seemed  con- 
trar}'  to  reason  that  one  creature  should  swallow  the 
head  of  another  of  its  own  bigness,  which  is  not  to  be 
admired,^  because  their  mouth  reaches  almost  to  their 
belly,  and  the  head  is  shaped  like  an  olive.  Though 
some  looked  upon  them  to  forbode  mischief,  and  others 
thought  them  bad  fish,  yet  we  all  made  much  of  them 
by  reason  of  the  want  we  were  in,  having  been  now 
above  eight  months  at  sea,  so  that  we  had  consumed 
all  the  fish  and  flesh  brought  from  Spain  ;  and  that, 
with  the  heat  and  moisture  of  the  sea,  the  biscuit  was 
so  full  of  maggots  that,  as  God  shall  help  mc,  I  saw 
many  that  staid  till  night  to  eat  the  pottage  or 
brewis  made  of  it,  that  they  might  not  see  the  mag- 
gots ;  and  others  were  so  used  to  eat  them  that  they 
did  not  mind  to  throw  them  away  when  the}'^  saw 
them,  because  they  might  lose  their  supper  if  they 
were  so  very  curious. 

"Upon  Saturday,  the  17th,  the  Admiral  put  into  a 
port  three  leagues  east  of  Pennon,  which  the  Indians 
called  Huiva.  It  was  like  a  great  bay,  where  we 
rested  three  days,  and  going  ashore  saw  the  inhabi- 
tants dwell  upon  the  tops  of  trees,  like  birds,  laying 
sticks  across  from  bough  to  bough,  and  building  huts 
upon  them  rather  than  houses.  Though  we  knew  not 
the  reason  of  this  strange  custom,  yet  we  guessed 
it  was  done  for  fear  of  the  griffons  there  are  in  that 
country,  or  of  enemies  ;  for  all  along  that  coast  the 


•  Or  wondered  at. 


I 


^^2  T//B  COAST  OF  CONTJiASTS. 

people  at  every  league's  distance  are  great  enemies  to 

one  another."*  , 

Storms  and   shifting   winds   continue.      Now  they 
put  out  to  sea,  but  again  the  wind  changes  to  their 
disadvantage,  or  becomes  so  boisterous  that  they  are 
obliged  to  run  into  the  nearest  harbor.     Well,  indeed 
may  the  Admiral  name  this  the  "  Coast  of  Contrasts. 
Having  spent  nearly  a  month  in  beating  his  way  from 
Puerto   Bello   to   Veragua,   some   thirty  leagues,   he 
sounded  the   river  Yebra,  which   he  named  Belen  or 
Bethlehem,  and  the  Veragua.     As  the  former  was  the 
deeper,  notwithstanding   its   bar   at  the  mouth,  they 
entered  it  by  means  of  the  boats  and  found  a  village 
on  its  banks.      Here  they  were  confronted  by  a  well- 
developed  and  brave  people,  who  were  disposed  to  con- 
test their  landing,  but  were  soon  conciliated.     Being 
questioned  as   to   the   gold-mines,  they  were  at   first 
inclined   to  be   reticent   or   equivocal,      finally  they 
gave  the  impression  that  they  were  to  be  found  about 
the  Veragua.     To  that  river,  therefore,  the  boats  are 
sent  the  next  day.     These   people   must  be  of  Carib 
origin.     How   else   do  they  come  to  be  so  brave  ?     A 
whole  fleet  of  canoes  comes  out  to  meet  the  Spaniards, 
and  the  shores  are  lined  with  men  on  defence.     But 
the  interpreter  intercedes,  saying  that  these  peculiar 
strangers  have  come  only  to  barter,  and  this  soothes 
them  and  induces  them  to  trade  twenty  plates  of  gold, 
several  tubes  filled  with  the  precious  dust,  as  well  as 
masses  of  the  crude  ore,  for  trinkets  and  gewgaws  as 
usual      They  said  the  precious  metal  was  obtained  m 
the   neighboring   mountains.      When    they   went   in 

1  Fernando  Columbus,  chapter  xciv. 


^mimmfm^mm^mmimmamm^mmmmmmmmm^i^^- 


'-rm^'S!^ 


THE  ^U  IB  IAN. 


493 


enemies  to 

Now  they 
ges  to  their 
lat  they  are 
/"ell,  indeed, 
Contrasts." 
is  way  from 
leagues,   he 
ed  Belen  or 
mer  was  the 
mouth,  they 
md  a  village 
id  by  a  well- 
30sed  to  con- 
ited.     Being 
,vere  at   first 
Finally  they 

found  about 
be  boats  are 
be  of  Carib 
10  brave  ?     A 
le  Spaniards, 
lefence.     But 
lese  peculiar 
[  this  soothes 
)lates  of  gold, 
ist,  as  well  as 
I  gewgaws  as 
IS  obtained  in 
hey   went   in 


search  of  it  they  fasted  for  twenty  days  and  left  their 
women  at  home. 

These  reports  are  so  flattering  that  the  Admiral 
concludes  to  sojourn  in  the  vicinity.  Belen  being  the 
deeper  river,  the  two  smaller  caravels  cross  the  bar 
January  9th,  and  the  other  two  follow  at  flood-tide  the 
next  day.  Now  the  natives  become  exceedingly 
cordial,  and  bring  great  quantities  of  fish,  with  which 
this  river  abounds  ;  also  a  variety  of  gold  ornaments 
for  trafiic,  but  it  all  comes  from  Veragua. 

To  the  Veragua,  then,  the  adelantado  will  go  with 
boats  well  armed.  Having  ascended  half  a  league, 
he  meets  the  Quibian,*  or  chieftain,  tall,  powerful, 
and  of  a  warlike  aspect.  He  is  very  amiable,  and 
seems  perfectly  at  ease  amidst  the  canoes  in  which 
his  subjects  are  attending  him.  He  takes  off  his  gold 
ornaments  and  gives  them  to  the  adelantado,  highly 
gratified  over  the  trinkets  and  what-nots  received  in 
return.  This  powerful  chief,^  with  many  chiefs  under 
hira,  is  shrewd  enough  to  see  that  he  has  met  men  of 
force  and  influence,  such  as  he  has  not  known 
hitherto. 

The  next  day  he  calls  on  the  Admiral,  and  is  well 
entertained.  Impressive,  indeed,  it  must  have  been  to 
see  these  fine  specimens  of  the  human  race,  each  from 

'  This  is  now  regarded  as  a  title  rather  than  a  name. 

'  "  On  the  wliole,  the  Qiiibian  is  as  fine  a  spetimen  of  his  race  as  the  ade- 
lantado is  of  his  And  thus  they  are  fairly  met,  the  men  of  Europe  and  the 
men  of  North  America;  and  as  in  the  gladiatorial  combat,  which  opens  with 
a  smiling  salutation,  this  four-century  struggle  begins  with  friendly  greet- 
ing's. Pity  it  is  they  are  outwardly  not  more  evenly  matched;  pity  it  is 
that  the  European  with  his  superior  civilization,  his  saltpetre  and  blood- 
hounds, liis  steel  weapons  and  strange  diseases,  should  be  allowed  to  do  his 
robbery  so  easily."—/^.  H.  Bancroft,  Hist.  Central  America,  vol.  I,  p.  320. 


-i-fli^NWE"^" 


I 


491 


THE  STORM  DEMONS. 


St 


the  opposite  side  of  the  ^lobc,  trying  to  comniunieatc 
^vith  each  other  by  grimaces  and  gestures.  1  he 
Ouibian  is  -  taciturn  and  cautious,"  exchanges  some 
presents  with  the  Admiral,  and,  after  an  hour,  takes 
his  leave.  Meanwhile  his  attendant;)  have  "  trucked 
gold  for  gewgaws.  . 

But  the  ships  are  scarcely  more  secure  here  in  the 
river  than  they  were  outside  in  the  sea.  If  Neptuivo 
failed  to  swamp  them  in  the  latter,  the  storm  demons 
will  open  the  floods  upon  the  mountains  in  order  that 
the  rivers  may  run  mad.  The  vessels  are  wrenched 
from  their  anchorage  and  hurled  against  each  othcr. 
and  the  foremast  of  the'  Admiral's  ship  is  carriea 
away.  Neither  can  they  run  out  to  sea,  on  account 
of  the  breakers  on  the  bar  at  Beleu's  mouth. 

The  storm  having  once  more  abated,  on  the  6th  of 
February  the  adelantaflo  takes  sixty-eight  well-armed 
men,  who  push  the  boats  up  the  Veragua  in  search  of 
the   reputed   gold-mines.      About  a  league  and  a  half 
up  the  river  they  come  upon  the  home  of  Uie  Quibian, 
with  the  dwellings  of  his  people  arranged  about  him. 
The  chieftain  comes  to  meet  them.     He  is  surrounded 
by  his  subjects,  but  they  are  all  unarmed.     All  the 
signs  and  signals  are  for  peace.     This  on  the  outside, 
like  the  bright  daubs  of  paint  on  his  naked  body,  but 
at  heart  there  are  no  doubt  many  misgivings.     One  of 
his  attendants  fishes  a  big  stone  out  of  the  river,  and, 
washing  it  thoroughly,  rolls  it  up  as  a  throne  for  his 
chieftain,  who  deports  himself  with  great  respect  in 
the  commanding  presence  of  Don  Bartholomew.     He 
furnishes  the  latter  with  guides  to  the  gold  regions  of 
the  interior,  the  mines  being  in  the  mountains,  which 


on 


iT*?^"' 


GOLD! 


495 


communicate 
sturcs.  The 
jhauges  some 
Lti  hour,  takes 
ve  "trucked" 

ire  here  in  the 
.  If  Neptune 
storm  demons 

in  order  that 
;  are  wrenched 
[ist  each  other- 
hip  is  carried 
ea,  on  account 
mth. 

L,  on  the  6th  of 
ght  well-armed 
ua  in  search  of 
.jruc  and  a  half 
3f  ine  Quibian, 
sred  about  him. 
;  is  surrounded 
rmed.  All  the 
on  the  outside, 
laked  body,  but 
Lvings.     One  of 

the  river,  and, 
a  throne  for  his 
rreat  respect  in 
•tholomew.     He 

gold  regions  of 
ountains,  which 


begin  to  rise  some  six  leagues  distant  and  reach  above 
the  clouds.     All  the  way,  about  the  roots  of  the  trees 
and     everywhere,    the     earth    sparkles    with    golden 
grains.     The  adelantado   returns  greatly  elated.     Al- 
ready he  sees  wealthy  Spanish  cities  in  the  plains  and 
on  the   hills.      "  Wliich  seeing,  the  Quibian  grimly 
smiled  that  they  should  deem  their  work  already  done, 
liimself  subdued,  the  land  their  own,  and  he  smiled  to 
think  how  he  had  sent  them  round  and  away  from  his 
own  rich   mines  to  the  poorer  and  more  distant  fields 
of  llrirJl,  his   ancient   enemy.     Then  the  adelantado 
explored  westward,  and  came  to  the  town  and  river  of 
this  Uriril,  and  to  the  towns  of  Dururi,  Cobraba,  and 
Cotiba,  where  he  obtained  gold  and  provisions.'" 

This   delightsome   country,   laden   with    the    most 
fragrant  and  luscious  fruits,  with  rich  fields  of  maize 
six   leagues   in   extent,  a   territory   of  twenty   days' 
journey,  so  abounding  in  gold  that  one  had  only  to 
turn  up  the  stones  and  pick  it  up— pick  it  up  in  such 
abundance   that   a   man   of    good-will   might     easily 
obtain  in  ten  days  as  much  as  a  boy  could  carry  !— 
was   not   this   the   place   above  all  others  to  found  a 
colony  ?     Hispaniola  was  indeed  wonderful,  but  bore 
no   comparison  to  this.     If  among  the  natives  there 
one  occasionally  espied  a  small  nose-ornament  of  gold, 
here  nearly  every  one  had  a  golden  mirror  hung  by  a 
cotton  cord   to   his   neck.      Indeed,  he  had  seen  more 
signs  of  gold  here  in  tzuo  days  than  in  Hispaniola  in 
four  years.     Again  the  Admiral  turns  to  the  sacred 
scriptures  and  to  the  writings  of  divines,  ancient  and 
modern,  and  is  well  satisfied  that  this  is  the  "Golden 

»  H.  H.  Bancroft's  Hist.  Central  Am.,  vol.  i,  p.  231. 


««?'■ 


^.>' 


496 


A  CO/.  OAT. 


I' I 


Clicrsoiu'sus."  Here  he  would  fmincl  an  empire  which 
should  iutludc  :ill  these  rich  koU^-"""^'-'^  >"  ^'>^'  ^^'^"■ 
torics  of  the  different  chiefs  in  the  ueiKhborhood. 
Thus  HisiKUiiohi,  so  disiippointiu^'  to  all  and  so  ill- 
fated  from  every  point  of  view,  would  he  completely 
eclipsed.  The  adelautado  was  of  the  same  miud  as 
his  brother,  and  agreed  to  remain  in  charKC  of  the 
colony,  which  should  include  the  greater  part  of  the 
people  in  the  scjuadron,  and  through  them  he  would 
develop  the  gold-mines.  The  Admiral,  meanwhile, 
would  return  to  vSjjain  for  reinforcements. 

The  plan   adopted,  everything  moved   with  energy. 
The    eighty    men    who    were    to  remain  were  divided 
into  parties  of  ten  each,  and  on  a  pretty  rise  of  ground 
bordering  a  creek,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Belen,  they 
built  a  picturesque   village.      The  houses  could  not 
have  been   large.       We  simply  know   that  they  were 
built  of  wood  and  thatched  with  palm  leaves.     Aye  1 
one  was  large,  designed  as  a  warehouse  and  magazine. 
But  the  main  depository  was  one  of  the  ships,  which 
was  to  remain  in  the  harbor.     In  this  the  provisions 
might  be  most  securely  stored,  and  it  might  serve  the 
adelantado  in  case  of  an  emergency.     The  store  of  pro- 
visions was  small  indeed— a  little  wine,  oil,  vinegar, 
biscuit,  cheese,  etc.,  but  the  country  around  abounded 
in  maize,  cocoanuts,  bananas,  pineapples,  and  various 
kinds  of  wines  and  beers.     Then  there  was  almost  no 
limit  to  the  great  variety  of  fish  in  these  parts ;   the 
shoals  w  ;re  so  thick  along  the  river-banks  sometimes 
that  the     :ould  be  dipped  out  with  little  nets,  or  they 
even  lei.  >ed  out  of  the  water  onto  the  dry  land  and 
could  be  picked  up.     The  Admiral  wduld  conciliate 


M 


■^-««iiai*Baj«*'-'-  -*'ft«*J^(fiSMSM»3««i*te* 


'm't^im' 


SllVr  VV  IN  TtlE  lilVEHS. 


407 


empire  wliicli 
•s  in  thf  Icrri- 
ncighborliood. 
all  and  so  ill- 
be  completely 
same  mind  as 
char)^'^e  of  the 
!r  part  of  tlu- 
hem  he  wonkl 
al,  meanwhile, 
s. 

I   with  energy. 
1   were  divided 
rise  of  gronnd 
he  Belen,  they 
ises  could  not 
that  they  were 
leaves.     Aye ! 
and  magazine. 
e  ships,  v^'hich 
the  provisions 
uight  serve  the 
r.he  store  of  pro- 
ne, oil,  vinegar, 
ound  abounded 
es,  and  various 
;  was  almost  no 
lese  parts ;   the 
inks  sometimes 
le  nets,  or  they 
e  dry  land  and 
^(iuld  conciliate 


the  natives  by  kind  words  and  presents.     These  would 
then  render  the  infant  colcMiy  what  aid  they  could. 

"All  things  were  now  se  lied  for  the  Chri.stian  col- 
ony," says  Fernando  Columbus,  "  and  ten  or  twelve 
houses  built  and  thatched,  and  the  Admiral  ready  to 
sail  for  vSpain,  when  he  fell  into  greater  danger  for 
want  of  water  than  he  had  been  before  by  the  iunn- 
clalion  ;  for,  the  great  rains  of  January  being  over,  the 
mouth  of  the  river  was  so  choked  up  with  sand  that 
whereas  when  they  came  in  there  was  about  ten  feet 
of  water,  which  was  scant  enough,  when  we  would 
have  gone  out  there  were  not  two  feet,  so  that  we  were 
shut  up  without  any  help,  it  being  impossible  to  get 
the  ships  over  the  sand  ;  and  though  there  had  been 
such  a  contrivance,  the  sea  was  so  boisterous  that  the  least 
wave  which  beat  upon  the  shore  was  enough  to  break 
the  ships  in  pieces,  especially  ours,  which  were  at  this 
time  like  a  honeycomb,  being  all  worm-eaten  through 
and  through.'" 

Meanwhile,  the  Quibian  of  Veragua  had  no  intention 
of  allowing  himself  to  be  robbed  of  this  rich  territory 
by  the  strangers  thus  attempting  to  plant  themselves. 
Under  the  pretence  of  making  war  with  a  neighboring 
enemy,  he  assembled  about  a  thousand  of  his  painted 
warriors.  He  had  never  yet  smelt  gunpowder  nor  felt 
the  keen  edge  of  that  product  of  civilization — steel. 
Blindly  he  hoped  to  rout  these  intruders  with  a  single 

stroke.  . 

But  Diego  Mendez,  a  stout-hearted,  sharp-eyed  com- 
panion of  Columbus  in  his  four  voyages,  noticed  so 
many  Indians  passing  on  the  way  to  the  Quibian's 

*  Fernando  Columbus,  chapter  xcvii. 


said»^&i**as«"' 


3 

-VI- 

w 

i 


1 

m 


498 


SPYING  OUT  THE  CAMP. 


# 
I 


i 


headquarters  that  his  suspicions  were  aroused.     The 
very  impersonation  of  fidelity  to  his  master,  he  volun- 
teered his  service  for  an  investigation.     Starting  with 
a  few  comrades  for  the  Indian  camp,  he  met  the  warrior 
host  on  their  way  to  the  Belen.      Springing  ashore 
alone  from  his  boat,  he  began  to  communicate  cor- 
dially with  them.     They  gave  him  to  understand  that 
they  were  going  against  a  neighboring  tribe,  and  he 
offered  to  go  with  them  and  aid  in  the  fight.     This 
they  declined,  and,  seeing  that  they  were  watched,  re- 
turned to  Veragua.     Diego  Mendez  reported  his  sus- 
picions to  the  Admiral,  but  he  was  unwilling  to  make 
the  first  attack  on  the  savages  and  so  awaken  the  bit- 
ter enmities  of  warfare. 

The  bold  Mendez  will  once  more  spy  out  the  camp 
of  these   painted   warriors,  then,  taking  with  him  a 
single  companion.     Rodrigo  de  Escobar  accompanies 
him  and  thej-  follow  the  coast  afoot  to  the  Quibian  s 
camp.     At  the  mouth  of  the  Veragua  they  meet  two 
canoes  from  another  part,  who  do  not  hesitate  to  say 
that  the  warriors  had  been  on  their  way  for  the  de- 
struction of  the  colony,  and  had  turned  back  because 
they  thought  themselves  suspected.     Very  soon  they 
would  be  on  their  way  again  with  a  stronger  force. 
Mendez  will  go  to  the  bottom  of  the  matter.    Will  not 
these  canoes  take  him  to  the  Quibian's  headquarters? 
Oh  no;  this  would  be  sure  death  !     Mendez  insists; 
he  'will   make  them  a  present.     They  will  go,  then, 
wherever  he  wishes. 

The  Indian  village  was  scattered  along  the  nver- 
bank,  amidst  trees  and  groves,  the  Quibian's  house 
being  on  the  commanding  site  of  a  little  hill.     On  every 


^^i>0tS6S&i^^ii' 


\MP. 

-e  aroused.     The 
master,  he  voluii- 
11.     Starting  with 
le  met  the  warrior 
Springing  ashore 
communicate  cor- 
0  understand  that 
ing  tribe,  and  he 
the  fight.     This 
were  watched,  re- 
reported  his  sus- 
unwilling  to  make 
so  awaken  the  bit- 
spy  out  the  camp 
aking  with  him  a 
cobar  accompanies 
t  to  the  Quibian's 
yua  they  meet  two 
not  hesitate  to  say 
eir  way  for  the  de- 
rned  back  because 
L.     Very  soon  they 
li  a  stronger  force, 
e  matter.     Will  not 
ian's  headquarters? 
!     Mendez  insists; 
Phey  will  go,  then, 

ed  along  the  river- 
le  Quibian's  house 
ittle  hill.     On  every 


A  PERILOUS  SITUATION. 


499 


hand  round  about,  armed  warriors  frowned  on  the  two 
white  men,  who  passed  on  fearlessly  among  them.     As 
they  were  about  to  climb  the  hill  to  the  Quibian's  house, 
the  Indians  opposed  them.     The  chieftain  had  been 
wounded  in  a  recent  battle,  they  said,  and  could  not 
see  them.     But  for  that  very  reason  Mendez  must  see 
him,  for  he  is  a  surgeon  and  can  cure  him.     Beiu-g  a 
surgeon,  and  handing  out  a  few  preseuts,  he  may  pass. 
Around  the  large  space  in  front  of  the  Quibian's  house 
were  the  trophies  of  recent  warfare — three  hundred 
ghastly  human  heads  were  impaled  on  stakes  in  the 
most  orderly  manner.     All  undismayed,  the  two  brave 
whites  passed  on  to  the  door,  when  a  crowd  of  gaping 
women  and  children  there  assembled  shrieked  and 
screamed  and  fled  in  terror.     At  this  alarm  a  brawny 
son  of  the  chieftain  sallied  forth  and  dealt  Mendez  a 
blow  that  sent  him  backward  several  steps,  who,  recov- 
ering himself,  showed  a  box  of  ointment  and  urged 
his  services    as    a  surgeon,  all  to  no  purpose.     The 
youth  was  in  a  rage  and  pushed  him  back.     Mean- 
while a  crowd  of  enraged  Indians  were  rushing  to  the 
spot.     Mendez  jerked  out  of  his  pocket  a  comb  and  a 
pair  of  scissors,  and  giving  them  to  Escobar  urged  him 
to  cut  and  trim  his  hair.     The  superstitious  savages 
held  their  breath  at  the  novel  sight.     Without  loss  of 
time,  Mendez  gave  the  chief's  son  a  looking-glass,  in 
which  he,  with  great  surprise,  beheld  for  the  first  time 
his  own  face.     Escobar  cut  and  combed  his  hair  also. 
Now  Mendez  gave  comb,  brush,  and  looking-glass  to 
the  savage,  and  asked  for  something  to  eat  and  drink. 
The    request    was   granted  and   all   became   friends. 
Mendez   returned,  fully  convinced  that  the   Indians 
were  on  the  war-path. 


,00  THE  ^Uin IAN  IS  CAPTURED 

This  was  soon  confirmed  by  a  native  of  the  vicinity, 
who  had  become  strongly  attached  to  the  white  men 
and  had  gained  clew  to  the  intentions  of  his  country- 
men. The  Qnibian  was  planning  to  burn  the  ships 
and  houses'  at  dead  of  night,  massacring  all  the 
Spaniards.  Houses  and  ships  were  at  once  put  under 
a  strong  guard,  and  a  council  of  war  was  held.  There 
WIS  '-0  time  to  lose. 

With  the  rapidity  of  a  Napoleon  Bonaparte,  the 
adelantado  has  taken  his  resolution  and  is  on  the  way 
for  carrying  it  out.  He  will  take  seventy-four  well- 
armed  men,  Mendez  and  the  Indian  interpreter  included, 
and,  on  the  30th  of  March,  go  as  rapidly  as  possible 
to  the  chieftain's  camp. 

The  Qnibian  sees  the  crowd  coming  and  sends  a 
messenger  warning  them  away  from  the  house,  more 
from  jealousy  of  his  women,  however,  than  from  fear 
of  war.     The  adelantado  goes  on  alone,  having  cau- 
tiously disposed  his  men.     Another  messenger  meets 
him  and  requests  him  not  to  enter  the  house.     The 
Quibian  will  come  out,  sick  though  he  be.     They  meet 
at  the  door.     The  adelantado  is  very  affable  and  con- 
verses  cordially   through   his   trembling  interpreter. 
They  talk  about  this  fine  country.     But  that  wound  !- 
the  adelantado  will  examine  it—so  softly— strokes  it 
gently.     Now  the  chieftain  is  completely  oflf  his  guard. 
This  stranger,  all  alone,  is  so  friendly ;  and  he  has 
full  fifty  people  in  his  house  and  many  hundreds  just 
outside.      Don  Bartholomew  tightens  his  grasp,  and 
his  faithful  Mendez,  on  the  sharp  lookout,  fires  his 
arquebus,  while  four  Spaniards  near  by  rush  forward. 
The  Quibian,  somewhat,  s^cakened  by  his  wound,  strug- 


ED 

f  the  vicinity, 
he  white  men 
■  his  country- 
lurn  the  ships 
cring  all  the 
mcc  put  under 
3  held.     There 

Bonaparte,  the 
is  on  the  way 
enty-four  well- 
Dreter  included, 
ily  as  possible 

^  and  sends  a 
tie  house,  more 
than  from  fear 
ne,  having  can- 
essenger  meets 
le  house.     The 
be.     They  meet 
affable  and  con- 
ing interpreter, 
t  that  wound  !— 
>ftly — strokes  it 
;ly  oflF  his  guard, 
ily;  and  he  has 
y  hundreds  just 
,  his  grasp,  and 
ookout,  fires  his 
by  rush  forward, 
his  wound,  strug- 


AND  CONSIGNED  TO  SANCHEZ. 


501 


gles  in  the  tremendous  grasp  of  the  adelantado.  But 
all  the  Spaniards  are  upon  him.  He  and  his  house- 
liold— some  fifty  persons,  big  and  small— are  all  bound 
and  hurried  off  without  shedding  a  drop  of  blood. 

But  hear  those  poor  savages  !     They  rend  the  air 

uith  their  lamentations,  for  their  hearts  are  breaking 

at  seeing  their  chief  a  captive.     They  plead  for  his 

release,  offering  for  his  ransom  an  immense  treasure 

which   they  say  is  in  the  woods   near  by.     But  the 

adelantado  is  inexorable.      This  dangerous  chieftain 

and  his  household  must  be  held  as  hostages  for  the 

peaceable  behavior  of  the  rest.     They  are  sent  to  the 

ships  for  safe-keeping,  while  the   adelantado  and  the 

main  body  of  his  force  are  to  scour  the  surrounding 

country  for  those  who  have  escaped. 

Who  shall  take  charge  of  this  redoubtable  chieftain 
and  conduct  him  to  the  ships  this  dark  night  ?    Juan 
vSanchez,  chief  pilot  of  the  squadron,  an  honest,  brave 
sailor,  volunteers  his  services.     The  Quibian  is  bound 
tightly  hand  and  foot  and  fastened  firmly  to  the  seat 
of\he  boat.     "  Look  well  to  your  charges,"  urges  the 
adelantado.     "  Pluck  out  my  beard  hair  by  hair  if  I 
let  him  escape,"  replied  Sanchez  as  he  pushed  off  his 
boat  from  the  bank.     Every  muscle  of  the  Quibian's 
face  is  calm,  but  a  fierce  fire  burns  within.     He  and 
his  household  are  captives— made  so  in  the  twinkling 
of  an  eye  !    What  next  ?     The  river  runs  fast— so  does 
time.     Juan   Sanchez's  honest   face   beams   self-com- 
placently,  kindly,  in  the   light   of    the   torch.      The 
shrewd  savage  makes  an  appeal.     These  cords  are  so 
tight— hurt  badly  !     Sanchez   rows  on.     But  by  the 
time  they  approach  the  mouth  of  the  river  his  heart  is 


502 


THE  9UIBIAN  ESCAPES. 


m 
I 


^1 


touched,  for,  beneath   the   rough   surface,  the   sailor 
has  a  tender  spot.     He  loosens  the  cords,  unties  the 
captive  from  the  bench,  and  holds  the  rope's  end  in  his 
firm  grasp.     The  Quibian  seems  cool  and  motionless 
and  emotionless  as  a  statue,  but  his  eyes  are  on  the 
pilot.     Sanchez  turns  hie  eyes  away  and  hears  some- 
thing like  a  rock  splash  in   the  water— the  boat  tips 
and  he  is  well-nigh  precipitated  into  the  river !     The 
rope  is  out  of  his  hand  and  the  Indian  is  gone.     Look 
out !     Others  of    the  captives  may  follow.      In    the 
darkness  and  bustle,  they  have  all  they  can  do  to  keep 
guard  over  the  rest.     In  the  inky  river  the  Quibian, 
shackles  and  all,  has  made  good  his  escape.      Juan 
Sanchez  may  make  his  report  to  the  Admiral  and  pull 

out  his  beard  ! 

"  The  next  day,"  says  Fernando,  "  the  lieutenant 
perceiving    the  country  was    very  mountainous  and 
woody,  and  that  there  ^\;ere  no  regular  towns,  but  one 
house  here  and  another  at  a  great  distance,  and  that 
it  would  be  very  difiicult  to  pursue  the  Indians  from 
place  to  place,  he  resolved  to  return  to  the  ships  with 
his   men,   not   one   of    them   being   either    killed  or 
wounded.     He  presented  the  Admiral  with  the  plunder 
of  Quibian's  house,  worth  about  300  ducats  in  gold 
plates,  little  eagles,  and  small  quills  which  they  string 
and  wear  about  their  arms  and  legs,  and  in  gold  twists 
which  they  put  about  their  head  in  the  nature  of  a 
coronet.     All  which  things,  deducting  only  the  fifth 
part  for  their  Catholic  Majesties,  he  divided  among 
those   that    went   upon    the   expedition;    and   to   the 
lieutenant,  in  token  of  victory,  was  given  one  of  those 
crowns  or  coronets  above  mentioned." 


;,   the    sailor 
s,  unties  the 
e's  end  in  his 
d  motionless 
s  are  on  the 
hears  some- 
the  boat  tips 
river !     The 
gone.     Look 
ow.      In    the 
an  do  to  keep 
the  Qnibian, 
scape.      Juan 
uiral  and  pnll 

he  lieutenant 
mtainous  and 
owns,  but  one 
nice,  and  that 

Indians  from 
he  ships  with 
her  killed  or 
ith  the  plunder 
iucats  in  gold 
ich  they  string 
i  in  gold  twists 
le  nature  of  a 

only  the  fifth 
divided  among 
i;  and  to  the 
zn  one  of  those 


TNE  SPANIARDS  ARE  SUR PRISED.        503 

Columbus    now  flattered    himself  that  the  colony 
might  be  left  in  security.     The  Qnibian  had  indeed 
escaped  ;  but  how  could  he,  with  hands  and  feet  tied, 
ha^e  ever  reached  the  shore?     And  even   if  he  were 
living,  would  not  the  detention  of  his  family  on  the 
ships  compel  him  to  keep  the  peace  ?     But  this  savage 
chieftain,  having  reached  the   shore  in  safety,  was  a 
genuine  hero,  who  instead  of  being  subdued  by  what 
he  had  suffered  was  only  thereby  rendered  the  more 
determined  and  fierce.     Gathering  a  great  number  of 
his  warriors,  they  stole  upon  the  frail  cabins  of  the 
little    colony,   under  cover  of    the  dense    forest  and 
with  the  noiseless  step  of  the  Indian  on  a  still  hunt. 
The  Spaniards,  thinking  their  enemies  subdued,  were 
completely  off  their  guard.     Some  were  in  their  cabins, 
some  in  the  Galle^ro  in  the   harbor,  and  the   greater 
number  were  on  the  beach  gazing  wistfully  after  the 
Admiral's  ships,  about  to  depart.     Startled  almost  out 
of  their  wits  by  the  wild  and  deafening  yells  sent  up 
by  the  infuriated  savages  as  they  broke  from  the  forest 
directly  upon   them,  there   was   no  protection  to   the 
little   cabins   covered   with   palm-leaves.     The   dense 
shower  of  arrows  riddled  them  completely  and  wounded 
those  within.     The  Spaniards  rushed  for  their  arms. 
The  adelantado  and  some  seven  of  his  comrades  seized 
their  lances  and  targets,  and  calling  on  the  rest  to 
follow  rushed  upon  the  Indians  as  -they  emerged  from 
the  woods.     In  all  there  were  about  twenty  to  bear  up 
under  the   shock  ;  but  their  shields  protected  them 
while  the  naked  bodies  of  the  savages  were  exposed 
not  only  to  the  sword  and  the  lance,  but  to  the  fangs 
of  an  infuriated  bloodhound.     The  Indians  fell  back 


504 


DIEGO  TRISTAN. 


into  the  forest,  sending  showers  of  arrows  from  behind 
the  trees,  and  ever  and  anon  rushing  out  into  close 
conflict  with  their  wooden  lances.  After  three  hours 
of  this  warfare,  amidst  deafening  yells,  and  in  which 
all  the  Spaniards  on  the  spot  fought  desperately,  they 
had  one  killed  and  seven  wounded,  among  which  latter 
was  the  adelantado,  who  was  pierced  in  the  breast  by  a 
lance.  The  savages  fled  to  the  forest,  leaving  quite  a 
number  dead  on  the  field. 

Diego  Tristan,  one  of  the  Admiral's  captains, 
arrived  with  a  boat  during  the  conflict,  having  been 
sent  up  the  river  for  a  supply  of  fresh  water.  He 
looked  on,  but  took  no  part  in  the  fight,  saying  that 
if  he  should  approach  the  shore  the  terrified  Spaniards 
might  rush  in  and  swamp  his  boat.  The  skirmish 
over,  he  proceeded  up  the  river  amidst  the  lurking 
Indians.  When  warned  of  his  danger,  he  replied  that 
he  should  perform  the  duty  for  which  he  had  been 

sent. 

The  deep  river  was  walled  up  on  both  sides  by  a 
forest  so  dense  that  it  was  about  impossible  to  land, 
except  where  the  path  of  the  fisherman  came  out,  or 
the  constant  hauling  up  of  the  canoes  had  made  an 
opening.  When  the  boat  had  advanced  about  a  league 
above  the  settlement,  to  where  the  river  was  narrow 
and  full  and  the  tall  spreading  trees  on  each  bank 
formed  a  magnificent  arcade,  the  Spaniards  were  sud- 
denly surprised  by  the  terrfic  yells  and  horrid  conch- 
blasts  of  the  savages,  who  burst  upon  them  in  every 
direction.  From  the  shadowy  nooks  and  from  under 
the  overhanging  bows  numberless  canoes  darted  forth, 
each  moved  by  a  single  paddle,  while  several  warriors 


TRISTAN  IS  SLAIN. 


505 


;  from  behind 
•ut  into  close 
three  hours 
and  in  which 
perately,  they 
r  which  latter 
le  breast  by  a 
aving  quite  a 

il's  captains, 
,  having  been 
h  water.  He 
;,  saying  that 
fied  Spaniards 
The  skirmish 
t  the  lurking 
le  replied  that 
he  had  been 

ith  sides  by  a 
jsible  to  land, 
I  came  out,  or 
had  made  an 
about  a  league 
er  was  narrow 
on  each  bank 
irds  were  sud- 
horrid  conch- 
them  in  every 
id  from  under 
;s  darted  forth, 
veral  warriors 


standing  in  ;it  shot  arrows  and  hurled  lances.  All 
this  must  be  met  by  eight  sailors  and  three  soldiers, 
who,  completely  terrified  by  the  deafening  noise  and 
overwhelmed  by  numbers,  lost  all  presence  of  mind, 
and,  dropping  both  oars  and  firearms,  simply  tried  to 
cover  themselves  with  their  shields.  Tristan  fought 
bravely,  notwithstanding  a  number  of  wounds  received, 
and  was  doing  his  utmost  to  animate  his  men  when  a 
swift  Indian  javelin  pierced  his  right  eye  and  he  expired. 
The  canoes  closed  in  upon  the  boat  and  massacred  the 
Spaniards  to  a  man.  Juan  de  Noj-a,  who  had  been 
knocked  overboard  during  the  conflict,  swam  under 
water,  landed  under  the  overhanging  thicket,  and 
reached  the  Spanish  encampment,  to  terrify  them  with 
an  account  of  the  sickening  scene. 

The  intelligence  created  a  complete  panic.  How 
could  their  reduced  numbers  withstand  these  fierce 
hordes  ?  If  the  Admiral  should  sail  away  without 
tliem,  they  would  either  star\^e  to  death — for  they  dared 
not  venture  out  for  food — or  they  would  be  massacred 
by  infuriated  savages.  They  would  at  once  board  the 
caravel  in  the  harbor  and  escape.  The  adelantado 
remonstrated,  but  in  vain ;  they  would  abandon  the 
place. 

But  the  escape  was  not  so  easy  as  they  imagined. 
The  swollen  river  having  subsided,  the  surf  had  again 
banked  up  the  sand  at  the  mouth  and  rendered  the  bar 
impassable.  They  attempted  to  go  out  to  the  Ad- 
miral in  a  boat,  but  were  prevented  by  the  wind  and 
the  breakers.  Thus  shut  in  to  the  mercy  of  the 
savages,  they  were  still  further  horrified  by  the  disfig- 
ured corpses  of  Tristan  and  his  men  floating  down 


->»»»a>s»aJ^ia»MiWW»Jai**itfi^^^ 


5o6 


AN  A  PA  L  L ING  SITU  A  TION. 


stream  amidst  hungry  fishes,  and  stranding   on  the 

beach  as  food  for  vultures.     Did  not  this  portend  their 

own  fate  but  near  at  hand?     Meanwhile  the  natives 

had  grown  jubilant  over  their  successes.     Their  horrid 

yells  and  the  thunder  of  their  conchs  and  wooden  drums 

made   the   thick   forests  frightful  in  every  direction. 

Abandoning  the  settlement,  the  adelantado  raised  a 

bulwark  around  an  open   place  on  the  bank  of  the 

river.     Here,  sheltered  by  chests,  casks,  and  the  boat 

of  the  caravel,  they  plied  two  small  cannon  through 

openings  in  the  barricade,  and  thus  kept  the  savages 

at  a  safe  distance.     But  what  could  they  do  when  their 

ammunition  became  exhausted? 

On  board  the  Admiral's  ships  matters  were  scarcely 
less  appalling.     Ten  days  had  passed  since  Tristan 
left.     Why  did  he  not  return  ?     What  if  their  ships' 
cables  should  part  in  this  rough  sea  ?     Those  clumsy 
caravels    would    Surely   be    swamped.      Then    those 
Indians  '.—the  Quibian's  family,  confined  in  the  hold 
of  the  Admiral's  ship— they  seemed  to  be  enthused 
with  the  spirit  of  the  chief  himself.     One  night  while 
the  guards  were  sleeping  on  the  hatch— it  being  so 
high  up  that  it  was  not  thought  necessary  to  chain  it 
down— they   collected   boxes,   casks,   and    the   stones 
used  for  ballast,  and,  piling  them  up,  mounted  them, 
and  with  one  tremendous  lift  shoulder  to  shoulder  in 
concert  they  tossed  the   sleeping   guard   hither    and 
thither,  and  springing  out  and  into  the  sea  they  made 
their  escape.     Those   kept  back   and   chained   down 
under  the  hatch  were  found  dead  the  next  morning. 
Some   had   hung  themselves  from  the   roof  of  their 
dungeon,  and  those  who  could  not  secure  this  conven- 


V. 

iditig   on  the 
portend  their 
e  the  natives 
Their  horrid 
wooden  drums 
ery  direction, 
tado  raised  a 
bank  of  the 
and  the  boat 
nnon  through 
Dt  the  savages 
do  when  their 

s  were  scarcely 
since  Tristan 
if  their  ships' 
Those  chimsy 
Then    those 
:d  in  the  hold 
o  be  enthused 
ne  night  while 
h — it  being  so 
ary  to  chain  it 
nd    the   stones 
mounted  them, 
to  shoulder  in 
rd   hither    and 
sea  they  made 
chained   down 
next  morning. 
;   roof  of  their 
ire  this  conven- 


r//E  FEAT  OF  LEDESMA. 


507 


ience  strangled  themselves  by  fastening  one  end  of  the 
cord  to  the  foot. 

Communication  with   those   on  the  shore  was  now 
absolutely  necessary,     Colonization  at  present  was  not 
to  be  thought  of.     When  the  natives  should  learn   the 
fate  of  this  royal  family,  "  they  would  move  the  very 
rocks  to  revenge."     But   what  boat  might  pass   that 
raging  surf?     Now  Pedro  Ledesma,  a  pilot  from  Seville, 
steps  forward  and  offers  to  swim  through  it  if  some  one 
will  row  him   up  to  the   breakers.     If  those   savages 
could  swim   a  league  to  save  their  lives,  he  might  pass 
through  the  surf  for  the  relief  of  so  many  companions. 
The  perilous  feat  was  accomplished.     Ledesma  crawled 
up  tlie    beach    from    the   merciless   waves    lO    listen 
to  the   shocking   fate   of   Tristan,   and    the   determi- 
nation of  the  colony  to  leave  the  place.     They  were 
simply  desperate.     They  were  busy  digging  out  canoes 
to  carry  them  to  the  ships  outside  the  bar  as  soon  as  the 
storm  should  abate.     Ledesma  must  importune  the  Ad- 
miral for  them  that  he  might  not  sail  away  and  leave 
them  on  this  savage  coast.     Should  he  refuse  to  take 
them  they  would  drag  the  caravel  across  the  bar  when 
tlie  storm  was  over,  and  take  their  chances  at  sea  for 
Spain. 

Again  Ledesma  braved  the  breakers,  and  entering  the 
boat  in  waiting  for  him  bore  to  the  Acfiniral  the  sad 
tidings  of  the  colony.  Throughout  this  entire  voyage 
the  Admiral  had  been  simply  a  suffering  invalid.  This 
seemed  the  crisis  of  his  hopes.  He  had  been  unjustly 
deprived  of  his  authority  at  Hispaniola.  Now  he  had 
hoped  to  reinstate  himself  in  a  still  better  country. 
Must  he  fail  again  ?     But  he  could  not  leave  his  brother 


J*^J&<feS.'<«««»*»*>«S*l«**«A«l<i*'^ 


5o8 


THE  AinfTRArS   VISION. 


in  a  luutiuoiis  colony,  among  savages.  He  would  gladly 
have  remained  himself,  but  who  then  might  convey  the 
intelligence  of  this  important  discovery  to  the  sov- 
ereigns >  For  the  present  his  enterprise  of  coloniza- 
tion must  be  abandoned,  but  by  and  by  it  might  be 
undertaken,  perhaps. 

Meanwhile  his  worm-eaten  ships,  on  a  lee  shore,  in  a 
storm,  were  in  imminent  peril.    A  small  addition  of  force 
to  the  present  storm  might  drive  them  into  the  breakers 
What  wonder  if,  in  these  days  of  constant  worry   of 
mind  and  nights  of  sleepless  anxiety,  this  aged  spirit, 
broken   by   hardships,  disappointments,  and   outrage, 
should  fall  into  delirium— happily  a  religious  delirium . 
He  says:  "  At  length,  groaning  with  exhaustion,!  fell 
asleep    and   heard  a  compassionate  voice  address  me 
thus  •  '  O  fool,  and  slow  to  believe  and  serve  thy  God, 
the  God  of  all ;  what  did  He  do  more  for  Moses,  or  for 
David,  his  servant,  than  He  has  done  for  thee  ?     From 
thine  infancy  He  has  kept  thee  under  His  constant  and 
watchful  care.     When  He  saw  thee  arrived  at  an  age 
which  suited  His  designs  respecting  thee,  He  brought 
wonderful  renown  to  thy  name  throughout  all  the  land. 
He  gave  thee  for  thine  own  the  Indies,  which  form  so 
rich  a  portion  of  the  world,  and  thou  hast  divided  them 
as  it  pleased  thee,  for  He  gave  thee  power  to  do  so.     He 
gave  thee  the  keys  of  those  barriers  of  the  ocean-sea 
vvdiich  were  closed  with  such  mighty  chains,  and  thou 
wast  obeyed  through  many  lauds  and  gained  an  honor- 
able fame  throughout  Christendom.     What  more  did  the 
Most  High  do  for  the  people  of  Israel  when  He  brought 
them  out  of  Egypt ;  or  for  David,  whom,  a  shepherd.  He 
made  to  be  a  King  in  Judca?     Turn  to  Him  and  ac- 


THE  APMIliA/.'S   VIS /OX. 


5^^9 


2  would  gladly 
jht  convey  the 
y'  to  the  sov- 
5e  of  coloniza- 
y  it  might  be 

lee  shoi-e,  in  a 
ddition  of  force 
to  the  breakers, 
stant  worry    of 
lis  aged  spirit, 
,  and   outrage, 
gious  delirium ! 
chaustion,!  fell 
ice  address  me 
serve  thy  God, 
or  Moses,  or  for 
r  thee?     From 
[is  constant  and 
rived  at  an  age 
ee,  He  brought 
out  all  the  land. 
,  which  form  so 
ist  divided  them 
er  to  do  so.     He 
)f  the  ocean-sea 
liains,  and  thou 
rained  an  honor- 
hat  more  did  the 
dien  He  brought 
,  a  shepherd.  He 
to  Him  and  ac- 


knowledge thine  error— His  mercy  is  infinite.     Thine 
old  age  shall  not  prevent  thee  from  accomplishing  any 
grent"  undertaking.      He    holds    under   His  sway  the 
greatest  possessions.     Abraham  had  exceeded  a  huiulred 
years  of  age  when    he    begat  Isaac  ;    nor   was   Sarah 
young.     Thou  criest  out  for  uncertain  help ;  answer,  who 
has  afflicted  thee  so  much  and  so  often,  Ciod  or  the 
world?      The   privileges  promised  by  God   He  never 
fails  in  bestowing;  nor  does  He  ever  declare,  after  a 
service  has  been    rendered   Him,    that   such    was    not 
agreeable  with  His  intention,  or  that  He  had  regarded 
the  matter  in  another  light;  nor  does  He  inflict  suffer- 
ing in  order  to  give  effect  to  the  manifestation  of  His 
power.     His  acts  answer  to  His  words,  and  it  is   His 
custom  to  perform  all  His  promises  with  interest.     Thus 
I  have  told  you  what  the  Creator  has  done  for  thee,  and 
what  He  does   for  all  men.      Even  now  He  partially 
shows  thee  the  reward  of  so  many  toils  and  dangers  in- 
curred by  thee  in  the  service  of  others.' 

"  I  heard  all  of  this  as  it  were  in  a  trance  ;  but  I  had 
no  answer  to  give  in  definite  words,  and  could  but  weep 
for  my  errors.  He  who  spoke  to  me,  whoever  it  was, 
concluded  by  saying :  *  Fear  not,  trust ;  all  these  tribu- 
lations are  recorded  on  marble,  and  not  without  cause. 

Critics  and  scoffers  have  exercised  themselves  greatly 
at  the  expense  of  this  "  vision  "  of  Columbus.  The 
more  credulous  have  seen  in  it  a-  divine  disclosure.  To 
us  it  seems  exceedingly  natural  that  this  devout  man 
broken  down  with  age  and  extreme  hardships,  tortured 
with  physical  sufferings  and  borne  down  with  anxiety, 
should  f^il  into  just  this  sort  of  reverie  '^}'l^'^^\f 
thought  is  simply  a  reflex  of  the  facts  of  his  life  in  the 


^^^mi^sm^f^'i'^^"^^'*^^^^^'^**^^*'^^*^^^^^'*^ 


P    ^_-„*-*J'i^-K!i*«'X'^*'«^SJ'ViJ*-*-w'*;.' •■■•»—     -'^ 


^j„  THE  COLONY  IS  lUiOK EX  Vl\ 

light  of  a  true  Christian  faith  slightly  tinged  with  the 
snpcrstitions  of  the  time.  If  it  were  a  dream,  it  was 
most  natnral,  and  aceording  to  the  crcdulousness  of  the 
time  might  easily  be  mistaken  for  a  vision.  If  it  were 
a  divine  dl.sclosure,  it  would  readily  fall  into  line  with 
other  widely  accepted  facts  on  the  divine  side  of  human 
history.  In  the  final  elucidation  of  all  things,  .stranger 
facts  may  be  discovered  than  that  Colnmbus  was  cho.sen 
(if  Cod  for  a  special  purpose  ;  that  he  was  providentially 
fitted  and  divinely  inspired  for  the  main  points  of  his 
great  achievement. 

It  had  now  become  clear  to  all  that  the  maintenance 
of  the  colony  was  impossible.     As  soon  as  the  protracted 
storm  subsided   a  vigorous  effort  gathered  all   together 
for    the    homeward   voyage.     As   the   caravel   OV/Z/^'v' 
could  not  be  brought  out  from  the  river,  she  was  emptied 
and  dismantled.     This  work  was  put  in  charge  of  the 
energetic  Diego  Mende/..     Out  of  the  sails  of  the  caravel 
he  made  sacks  for  carrying  the  biscuit ;  the  spars  were 
lashed  across  two  large  canoes,  and  on  these  a  platform 
was  laid,  thus  making  a  safe  raft.     On  this  was  placed 
provisions,  arms,  ammunition,  the  furniture  of  the  car- 
avel, etc.,  which  was  then  towed  out  to  the  ships  by 
means  of  row-boats.     The  wine,  oil,  and  vinegar  casks 
were  thrown  into  the  water  and  drawn  after  by  means 
of  ropes.     As  all  were  anxious  to  get  away  from  this 
dangerous  coast,  every  one  worked  with  a  will,  and  in 
two  days,  by  means  of  seven  trips,  everything  had  been 
transported  to  the  ships  awaiting  the  return.     The  mere 
hull  of  the  Gallego,  thoroughly  riddled  by  the  tereco, 
remained  in  the  river.     The  faithful  Mendez,  having 
worked  day  and  night,  was  the  last  to  leave  the  shore. 


jr. 

^cd  with  the 
I  ream,  it  was 
jusncss  of  the 
II.  If  it  were 
Into  line  with 
dde  of  human 
ings,  stranger 
us  was  chosen 
provivlentially 
points  of  his 

:  maintenance 
the  protracted 
d  all  together 
travel  (ial/cj^o 
le  was  emptied 

charge  of  the 
3  of  the  caravel 
the  spars  were 
ese  a  platform 
his  was  placed 
.ire  of  the  car- 
3  the  ships  by 

vinegar  casks 
after  by  means 
iway  from  this 
L  a  will,  and  in 
thing  had  been 
irn.     The  mere 

by  the  terec.o, 
lendez,  having 
eave  the  shore. 


77//r  SfflPS  LEA  Vli. 


5" 


No  language  could  portray  the  delight  of  these 
sailors  on  once  more  finding  themselves  all  together 
and  on  board  the  ships  for  home.  Gladly  would  they 
meet  the  perils  of  the  sea  on  their  homeward  voyage 
if  they  might  thus  put  the  ocean  between  them  and  that 
land  of  death.  In  recognition  of  the  faithful  .services 
„f  Diego  Mende/.  in  getting  to  sea,  Columbus  gave  him 
charge  of  the  ship   vacated    by    the    death    of    Diego 

Tristan. 

'\'hc  squadron   sailed  from  Veragua  in  the  last  days 
of  April.      The  worm-eaten,  weather-worn  ships,  the 
weary,  enervated    crews,   and    the    scanty    supply    of 
])rovisions  forbade  their  course  to  vSpain.     They  must 
find  their  haven  in  Hispaniola.     But  why  did  the  Ad- 
miral go  coasting  along  to  the  eastward  ?     Why  did 
he  not   strike   out   due   north   to   the  point  in  view  ? 
Surely   he   must   be   sailing   directly   for  Spain.     So 
thought  the  piolots  ;  and  they  were  much  annoyed  at 
such  presumption,  with  almost  nothing  in  the  larder, 
and  the  water  almost  pouring  in  through  worm-holes 
nearly  the   bigness  of  a   finger.      But   the  Admiral 
and    his    lieutenant    were    too    well    versed    in   the 
knowledge  of  these  seas  to  start  directly  north,  and  be 
carried  far  west  out  of  their  course  by  the  current  setting 
in  so  firmly  from  the  east.      Then,  why  should  the 
former   give   the   results  of  his  work  away  ?     Behold 
how  many  were  ready  waiting -to  follow  in  the  wake 
of  his  discoveries,  and  gather  the  results  and  profits 
of  his   toils   and   suflferings !      Let   the   route  be  as 
obscure  as  possible.     So  he  even  took  the  charts  from 

his  sailors. 

At  Puerto  Bello  he  was  obliged  to  abandon  one  of 


ia**«*ai«asS^M*«*ww<'»- • 


,<Mi8Ka««»»WW«a»»i'-'»<'w*'*^^**  ■' 


«l.1l^^> 


,,^;"-.^,.J.-^' 


rilE^  SAIL  FOR  msPANIOLA. 

his  ships,  the  Bhcaina,  as  she  could  no  longer  be  kept 
afloat  and  the  other  two  were  so  worm-eaten  that  it 
was  all  the  men  could  do  to  pump  and  bail  the  water 
out  as  fast  as  it  came  in.     Still  the  ships  stood  to  the 
east    past  Port  Retretc,  the  Mulatos,  and  Point  Bios 
to"  the   Gulf  of  Darien.     This  large  sheet  of  water 
making  in  beyond  the  horizon  was  so  suggestive  of 
the  much-sought-for  "5/r.7/V"  that   the  Admiral  was 
strongly  tempted  to  continue  in  search  of  it ;  but  on 
holding  a  council  with    his    officers    he    found  then- 
opposition  on  account  of  the   condition   of  the   ships 
and  the  supplies  so  forcible  that  he  turned  the  prows 
northward   for   Hispaniola.      This  was  ^lay  ist  and 
they  were  ten  leagues  farther  east  than  they  had  been 

before.  ^         ,  .    _, 

Not   only   the   currents  but   also   the   winds    were 
strong  from  the  east,  and  the  Admiral  bore  up  close 
to   the   wind.      This  annoyed  his  men,  who  declared 
they  were  running  to  the  east  of  the  Caribbees  but 
he  doubted  if  they  would  even  reach  Hispaniola,  which 
fear  proved  to  be  true,  for  on  the  loth  he  approached 
the  Cayman  Islands,  west  of  Jamaica.     Passing  by  the 
tortoises  which  fairly  swarmed  and  looked  like  little 
rocks  in  these  parts,  the  ships  reached  the  Queen  s 
Gardens,  south  of  Cuba,  May   30th.     Here  they  cast 
anchor  some  ten  leagues  from  the  main  island.     Ihe 
crews  were  fairly  exhausted,  and  the  provisions  reduced 
to  a  few  biscuit  and  a  little  oil  and  vinegar— poor  diet 
for  men  laboring  incessantly  at  the  pumps.     A  fear- 
ful tempest  arose  ;  three  anchors  were  lost.     The  bow 
of  the  Bermuda  was  driven  fiercely  into  the  stern  ot 
the   Admiral's   ship,  which  now  had  but  one  anchor. 


I  I  OLA. 

lO  longer  be  kept 
orm-eaten  that  it 
d  bail  the  water 
hips  stood  to  the 
,  and  Point  Bios 
I  sheet  of  water 

so  suggestive  of 
the  Admiral  was 
:h  of  it;  but  on 

he  found  their 
on  of  the  ships 
turned  the  prows 
,vas  INIay  ist,  and 
an  they  had  been 

the    winds    were 
•al  bore  up  close 
nen,  wlio  declared 
he  Caribbees,  but 
Hispaniola,  which 
3th  he  approached 
a.     Passing  by  the 
I  looked  like  little 
iched  the  Queen's 
.     Here  they  cast 
main  island.     The 
provisions  reduced 
/inegar — poor  diet 
le  pumps.     A  fear- 
ere  lost.     The  bow 
into  the  stern  of 
ad  but  one  anchor. 


THE  SHIPS  ARE  STRANDED. 


513 


At  daylight  the  cable  was  nearly  parted.  One  hour 
more  of  darkness  and  he  would  have  been  driven 
onto  the  rocks. 

The  storm  having  lasted  nearly  a  week,  Columbus 
weighed  anchor  for  Hispaniola,  his  "  people  dismayed 
and  downhearted,  almost  all  his  anchors  lost,  and  his 
vessels  bored  as  full  of  holes  as  a  honeycomb." 
Laboring  against  wind  and  current,  he  finally  reached 
Cape  Cruz. 

Having  obtained  cassava-bread   from  the   Indians, 
and  waited  on  the  wind  a  few  days,  he  tried  again  to 
buffet  the  winds  and  currents  to  Hispaniola,  but  all 
in  vain.      The  scene  is  most  disheartening.     The  ill- 
fed  and  worn-out  sailors  ply  the  pumps  and  bail  with 
buckets  and  kettles,  but  still  the  water  gains  on  them. 
Even  the  Admiral  gives  up  and  makes  for  the  north 
side  of  Jamaica,  for  the  vessels  are  in  danger  of  sink- 
ing even  before  they  reach  that  shore.     On  the  24th 
of  June    they   run   the   ships  aground,  side  by  side, 
about  a  ''  bow-shot  "  from  the  land.     Here  they  shore 
them  up  and  build  pavilions  on  the  decks,  for  the 
holds   of  tt-   vessels   are   almost  filled   with    water. 
Everything  is  put  in  the  best  possible  state  of  defence, 
and  the  men  are  not  allowed  to  go  ashore  lest  they 
should  commit  some  outrage  against  the  natives,  and 
so  prevent   commerce  or  bring  on  an    attack.     Two 
persons   are   appointed  to   carry  on  the  trade,  and  a 
careful  distribution  of  supplies  is  made  every  evening. 
The  Indians  soon  swarmed  about  the  harbor,  and 
were  quite  inclined  to  trade.      Fernando  says  they 
"  sold  two  utias^  which  are  little  creatures  like  rabbits, 
for  a  bit  of  tin,  and  cakes  of  bread  they  call  zabi  for 


h?it^<<M»»>»tfi 


MJttfa'iii^tiW»lii<g'MI**t''^fa*'***"''' 


^j.  A  PERPLEXING  SITUATION. 

two  or  three  red  or  yellow  glass  beads  ;  and  when  they 
brought  a  quantity  of  anything,  they  had  a  hawk's 
bell,  and  sometimes  we  gave  a  cacique  or  great  man 
a  little  looking-glass  or  red  cap  or  a  pair  of  scissors 
to  please  them.  This  good  order  kept  the  men  plenti- 
fully supplied  with  provisions,  and  the  Indians  were 
well  pleased  with  our  company." 

Still  the  provisions  were  often  inadequate,  and  as 
the  Indians  kept  no  great  supply  on  hand  the  colony 
might  at  any  time  be  reduced  to  want.     It  was  evident 
something   must   be   done   to  communicate  with  His- 
paniola.      Should   they   try   to   build  a  ship  for  that 
purpose  ?     Alas  !  they  had  neither  tools  nor  workmen 
to  construct  anything  which   might   stem   the   head- 
winds and  the  currents.      Was  there  any  hope  that 
some  ship  might  pass  that   way  ?     Scarcely.     After 
many   councils   held  by   the  Admiral  with  his  men. 
there  was  but  one  plan  to  be  commended— that  some 
one  should  go  to  Hispaniola  in  a  canoe. 

Diego   Mendez   went   on   an   excursion   through  a 
great  part  of  the  island,  purchased  and  shipped  pro- 
visions for  the  crews,  and  had  cultivated  such  friend- 
ships with  the  different  caciques  that  they  had  agreed 
to   trade   regularly   with   an   agent   sent   out  by  the 
Admiral.     With  knives,  combs,  beads,  hawk's  bells, 
and  fish-hooks  he   might   purchase    utias,  fish,  and 
cassava-bread.     Having  sent  back  his  men  one  by  one 
loaded   with   provisions,   he   continued   on   with   two 
Indians,  one  to  carry  his  provisions  and  the  other  his 
hammock,  till  he  came  to  the  eastern  extremity  of  the 
island.     Here   the  cacique,  one  of  the  most  powerful 
in   Jamaica,    was    completely  won    by    the    spirited 


i.' 

I, 


IN. 

iiid  when  they 
had  a  hawk's 
or  great  man 
air  of  scissors 
tie  men  plenti- 
i  Indians  were 

equate,  and  as 
ind  the  colony 

It  was  evident 
icate  with  His- 
a  ship  for  that 
5  nor  workmen 
tem  the  head- 
any  hope  that 
carcely.     After 

with  his  men, 
led — that  some 

lion  through  a 
id  shipped  pro- 
ted  such  friend- 
h&y  had  agreed 
ent  out  by  the 
3,  hawk's  bells, 
utias,  fish,  and 
men  one  by  one 
d  on  with  two 
tid  the  other  his 
extremity  of  the 
;  most  powerful 
)y    the    spirited 


DIE  G  O  MENDE  Z  IS  INTER  VIE  WED.       5 1 5 

address  and  taking  manners  of  Mendez,  and  became 
so  friendly  as  to  exchange  names  in  token  of  brother- 
hood. The  cacique  was  readily  pledged  to  furnish 
provisions  for  the  ships,  and  for  a  brass  helmet,  a 
shirt,  and  a  short  frock  sold  Mendez  an  excellent 
canoe,  which  forthwith  came  back  laden  with  pro- 
visions. Loud  were  the  acclamations  of  his  comrades 
on  his  return,  and  the  Admiral  embraced  him  most 
cordially.  The  Spaniards  had  been  literally  fasting. 
*'  There  was  not  a  loaf  left  in  the  ships,"  says  Mendez. 
Henceforth  provisions  came  regularly. 

"  Ten  days  after  this,"  says  Mendez,  "  the  Admiral 
called  me  aside  and  spoke  to  me  of  the  great  peril  he 
was  in,  addressing  me  as  follows  :  '  Diego  Mendez,  my 
son,  noc  one  of  those  whom  I  have  here  with  me  has 
any  idea  of  the  great  danger  in  which  we  stand,  except 
myself  and  you,  jo     we  are  but  few  in  number,  and 
these  wild  Indir        .   ;  numerous  and  very  fickle  and 
capricious,  and  w  •- ..ever  they  may  take  it  in  their 
heads  to  come  and  burn  us  in  our  two  ships,  which 
we  have  made  into  straw-thatched  cabins,  they  may 
easily  do  so  by  setting  fire  to  them  on  the  land  side, 
and  so  destroy  us  all.     The  arrangements  which  you 
have  made  with  them  for  the  supply  of  food,  to  which 
they  agreed  with  such  good-will,  may  soon  prove  dis- 
agreeable to  them,  and  it  would  not  be  surprising  if, 
on  the  morrow,  they  were  not  to  bring  us  anything  at 
all ;  in  such  case  we  are  not  in  a  position  to  take  it  by 
main  force,  but  shall  be  compelled  to  accede  to  tlieir 
terms.     I  have  thought  of  a  remedy,  if  you  consider 
it  advisable,  which  is  that    some  one  should  go  out 
in  the  canoe  that  you  have  purchased,  and  make  his 


5i6 


HIS  NOBLE  ANSWER. 


way   in  it   to   Espaflola,   to    purchase  a  vessel    with 

which  we  may  escape  from  the  extremely  dangerous 

position  in  which  we  now  are.     Tell  me  your  opinion. 

To  which  I  answered:    'My  lord,  I  distinctly  see  the 

danger  in  which  we  stand,  which  is  much  greater  than 

would  be  readily   imagined.      With   respect  to    the 

passage   from   this   island  to  Espanola  m  so  small  a 

vessel    as    a   canoe,  I  look   upon   it   not   merely   as 

difficult,  but   impossible,  for  I  know  not   who  would 

venture  to  encounter  so  terrific  a  danger  as  to  cross  a 

gulf  of  forty   leagues   of  sea,  and   amongst  islands 

where  the  sea  is  most  impetuous  and  scarcely  ever  at 

""^  "  His  lordship  did  not  agree  with  the  opinion  that 
I  expressed,  but  adduced  strong  arguments  to  show 
that  I  was  the  person  to  undertake    the   enterprise. 
To  which  I  replied:    'My   lord,  I  have  many  times 
put  my  life  in  danger  to  save  yours  and  the  lives  ot 
all  those  who  are  with  you,  and  God  has  marvellously 
preserved  me;  in  consequence  of  this,  there  have  not 
been  wanting   murmurers  who  have   said  that  your 
lordship  entrusts  every  honorable  undertaking  to  me, 
while  there  are  others  amongst  them  who  would  per- 
form them  as  well  as  I.     My  opinion  is,  therefore,  that 
your  lordship  would  do  well  to  summon  all  the  men 
and  lay  this  business  before  them,  to  see  if,  amongst 
them  all,  there  is  one  who  will  volunteer  to  take  it, 
which  I  certainly  doubt,  and  if  all  refuse  I  will  nsk 
my  life   in   your  service,  as  I  have  done  many  times 

^  '''On  the  following  day  his  lordship  caused  all  the 
men  to  appear  together  before  him,  and  then  opened 


S 

i 


^^^,j.  ..-^J.,- ^..^■^■Yl--.M«iWI 


HIS  PREPARATION. 


517 


1  vessel  with 
:ly  dangerous 
your  opinion.' 
inctly  see  the 
h  greater  than 
sspect  to  the 
in  so  small  a 
lot  merely  as 
ot  who  would 
;r  as  to  cross  a 
longst  islands 
carcely  ever  at 

he  opinion  that 
tnents  to  show 
the  enterprise, 
i^e  many  times 
Lud  the  lives  of 
IS  marvellously 
there  have  not 
said  that  your 
ertaking  to  me, 
who  would  per- 
;,  therefore,  that 
ion  all  the  men, 
>  see  if,  amongst 
nteer  to  take  it, 
;fuse  I  will  risk 
lone  many  times 

ip  caused  all  the 
and  then  opened 


the  matter  to  them  in  the  same  manner  as  he  had 
done  to  me.     When  they  heard  it  they  were  all  silent, 
until   some   said   that   it   was   out  of  the  question  to 
speak   of  such  a  thing,  for  it  was  impossible,  in  so 
small  a  craft,  to  cross  a  boisterous  and  perilous  gulf 
of  forty  leagues  breadth,  and  to  pass  between  those 
two  islands,  where  very  strong  vessels  had  been  lost 
in    going    to    make    discoveries,   not   being   able   to 
encounter  the  force  and  fury  of  the  currents.     I  then 
arose  and  said:    'My  lord,  I  have  but  one  life,  and  I 
am  willing  to  hazard  it  in  the  service  of  your  lordship 
and  for  the  welfare  of  all  those  who  are  here  with  us  ; 
for  I  trust  in  God  that,  in  consideration  of  the  motive 
which  actuates  me,  He  will  give  me  deliverance,  as  He 
has   already   done  on  many  other  occasions.'     When 
the   Admiral   heard   my  determination  he  arose    and 
embraced   me,  and,  kissing   me   on   the   cheek,  said  : 
'  Well  did  I  know   that   there   was  no  one  here  but 
yourself  who  would  dare  to  undertake  this  enterprise; 
I  trust  in  God,  our  Lord,  that  you  will  come  out  of  it 
victoriously,  as   you  have  done  in  the  others  which 
you  have  undertaken.' 

"  On  the  following  day  I  drew  my  canoe  onto  the 
shore,  fixed  a  false  keel  on  it,  and  pitched  and  greased 
it.  I  then  nailed  some  boards  upon  the  poop  and 
prow  to  prevent  the  sea  from  coming  in,  as  it  was 
liable  to  do  from  the  lowness  o£  the  gunwales ;  I  also 
fixed  a  mast  in  it,  set  up  a  sail,  and  laid  in  the  neces- 
sary provisions  for  myself,  one  Spaniard,  and  six 
Indians,  making  eight  in  all,  which  was  as  many  as 
the  canoe  would  hold.  I  then  bade  farewell  to  his 
lordship  and  all  others,   and   proceeded    along    the 


5i8 


HIS  CAPTURE. 


coast  of  Jamaica,  up  to  the  extremity  of  the  island, 
which  was  thirty-five  leagues  from  the  point  whence 

we  started." 

Here  thev  went  ashore,  and,  waiting  for  the  sea  to  be- 
come smooth,  were  wandering  about  rather  uncircum- 
spectly,  when  a  crowd  of  savages  falling  upon  them 
took  them  prisoners  and  hurried  them  away  into  the 
woods.  Here  it  was  decided  to  put  the  Spaniards  to 
death,  but  a  quarrel  having  sprung  up  respecting  a 
division  of  the  spoils,  while  the  question  was  being 
settled  by  some  game  of  chance,  Mendez  got  into  his 
canoe  and  made  his  escape.  Aided  by  the  rapid  cur- 
rent, he  was  back  again  in  the  presence  of  the  Ad- 
miral just  fifteen  days  after  leaving. 

Nothing  daunted,  he  was  ready  to  start  again,  pro- 
vided a  sufficient  guard  of  men  might  accompany  hiiii 
to  the  extremity  of  the  island  and  protect  him  till  he 
could  get  away.     The  number  in  this  adventure  was 
now  doubled.     In  addition  to  the  six  Spaniards  and 
ten    Indians   in   the   canoe    commanded  by   Mendez, 
another  canoe  manned  in  like  manner  was  assigned 
to  Bartholomew  Fiesco,  a  brave  Genoese,  who  had  com- 
manded the  Biscaiua.     When  these  brave  men  reached 
Hispaniola,  Fiesco   was    to   return    to  Jamaica   with 
intelligence  of  their  safe  arrival,  while  Mendez  was  to 
proceed  to  Spain  bearing  the  Admiral's  messages  to 

the  sovereigns. 

Very    cheerfully,   indeed,   did   the   little    company 
embark,  the  Indians  laying  in  their  frugal  supply  of 
cassava-bread,  roots,  and  calabashes  filled  with  water 
To  this  simple  fare  the  Spaniards  added  some  meat  ot 
the  utia,  and  took  their  swords  and  bucklers.     The 


I 


.jiiuH  li"^ -. --.^~^»«*i 


tmitawFWtffg^^ '  "«>  '^ 


HIS  ADVENTURE. 


5^9 


of  the  island, 
2  point  whence 

r  the  sea  to  be- 
[her  uncircnni- 
tig  upon  them 
1  away  into  the 
le  Spaniards  to 
Lip  respecting  a 
tion  was  being 
dez  got  into  his 
the  rapid  cnr- 
ence  of  the  Ad- 
tart  again,  pro- 
accompany  him 
itect  him  till  he 
adventure  was 
Spaniards  and 
ed   by    Mendez, 
;r  was  assigned 
36,  who  had  com- 
ave  men  reached 
o  Jamaica   with 
i  Mendez  was  to 
il's  messages  to 

little  company 
frugal  supply  of 
"illed  with  water, 
led  some  meat  of 
.  bucklers.     The 


adelantado  went  along  the  shore  with   seventy  well- 
armed  men.     Three  days  they  waited  at  the  eastern 
end  of  the  island  for  the  sea  to  become  calm.     After 
they  had  launched,  the  adelantado  waited  till  night, 
uk!  watched  the  canoes  till  they  disappeared  m  the 
horizon.     Frail  barks,  these,  for  such  a  sea  I     When 
thcv  were   loaded   they  were   not   a   span   above   the 
water '     Awkward  white  men,  dressed  and  m  armor, 
micrht  well  dread  them  in  a  storm;    but  the  naked 
Indians  were  so  like  fishes  in  the  water  that  th-y 
could  easily  right  a  capsi/.ed  canoe,  bail  it  out  with 
their  calabashes,  and  go  on  as  if  nothing  had  hap- 
pened. .J 

The  first  day  at  sea  there  was  neither  wind   nor 
cloud,  but  the  burning  rays  of  the  sun  reflected  by  the 
water  were  well-nigh  insufferable.     Every  now  and 
then   the   Indians  would  jump  into   the  water,  and, 
swimming    abreast   of    the   canoes,  would    cool   and 
refresh     themselves.      Then    the    Spaniards     would 
encoura're  them  to  row  as  fast  as  they  could.     The 
Indian  had  a  deft  hand  at  the  paddle.     All  day  long 
the  canoes  had  fairly  skipped  over  the  water.      At 
night  there  was  simply  sky  and  water  m  sight,     ihe 
crews  were  divided  into  watches ;  one-half  slept  while 
the  other  half  worked,  the  Indians  at  the  paddles  and 
the  white  men  keeping  guard  with  weapon  in  hand. 

The  temperature  did  not  fall,  much  with  the  dark- 
ness. All  night  long  it  was  sultry  and  oppressive,  so 
that  the  morning  found  the  crews  greatly  exhausted. 
The  captains  now  gave  a  rest  and  refreshments,  and 
encouraged  the  Indians  by  trying  their  own  hands  at 

1  Fernando  Columbus,  chapter  ci. 


toWiiy'liUllWMTiffW'iTI'""" 


■'^ss^wo«i?wiwiwii'°^i^W^ii' 


g-jjj..>^j^j:-^  flit  '^'■'—^  wt?.  »jitS'*t?^^^"*t«"*®<«» 


# 


i 

f 


S 


520     SUFFERING  OF  THE  ADVENTURERS. 

the   paddles.      But   the   Indians    had   brought   on   a 
calamity.     In  the  labor  and  heat  of  the  day  before, 
they  had  drank  up  oil  their  water,  so  that  there  was 
now  not  a  drop  to  moisten  their  parched  lips.     By  noon 
they  were  completely  exhausted.    Now  the  captains 
discovered  two  small  kegs  of  water  which  they  seem 
to  have  reserved  for  such  emergency.     Mouthful  by 
mouthful   the  precious    draughts    are    administered, 
especially  to  the   suffering,   toiling   Indians.     These 
were,  moreover,  encouraged  by  the  assurance  that  they 
would  soon  reach  the  little  island  Navasa,  which  lay 
directly  in   their  course,  eight  leagues  this  side  of 
Hispaniola.     Slowly  and  wearily  the  day  passed  away, 
and  when  the  sun  sank  into  the  ocean  there  was  still 
no  sight  of  land,  nor  yet  so  much  as  a  cloud  in  the 
horizon  to  delude  them.     According  to  the  reckoning 
kept  by  the  captains,  the  island  should  now  have  been 
in  sight.     Could  it  be  that  they  were  out  of  their 
course   and   might   even  miss  Hispaniola?      As  the 
night  closed  about  them  they  despaired  of  touching  at 
Navasa.     An  island  so  small  and  low  could  only  be 
met  by  chance   in   the   darkness.     And   the  gloom 
thickened  when  one  of  the  suffering  and  exhausted 
Indians  died  and  was  dropped  into  the  sea.     Others, 
faint   and  gasping,  lay  stretched  out  on  the    canoe- 
bottoms,  and  those  who  continued  their  toiling  were 
so  consumed  by  thirst  that  they  would  even  sip  the 
brine  from  the  sea.  ,    .      ,  r         .t. 

Finally,  the  last  drop  had  been  drained  from  the 
casks  The  night  was  far  advanced,  but  even  those 
whose  turn  entitled  them  to  rest  could  not  sleep  for 
anxiety  and  thirst.     One  by  one  the  paddles  ceased. 


■ML  wtt'  -~\n-r\rt^'~"^ 


URERS. 

Drought  on  a 
le  day  before, 
lat  there  was 
iips.  By  noon 
'  the  captains 
ich  they  seem 
Mouthful  by 

administered, 
dians.  These 
ranee  that  they 
asa,  which  lay 
;s  this  side  of 
y  passed  away, 
there  was  still 
a  cloud  in  the 

the  reckoning 
now  have  been 
•e  out  of  their 
liola?  As  the 
[  of  touching  at 

could  only  be 
Lnd  the  gloom 
and  exhausted 
e  sea.     Others, 

on  the  canoe- 
:ir  toiling  were 
d  even  sip  the 

rained  from  the 

but  even  those 

Id  not  sleep  for 

paddles  ceased. 


77/i5"  MOON  AND  NA  VASA. 


531 


AH  had  given  up  in  despair  of  reaching  Hispaniola. 
Meudez  stood  watching  the  horizon,  in  which  the  com- 
ing moon  glimmered  faintly.  As  the  silver  edge 
emerged  it  defined  a  small  rocky  landscape.  "  Land  !" 
he  cried,  and  the  sound  brought  life  to  every  heart. 
There  was  Navasa ! — but  such  a  mere  bit  of  land-line 
against  the  sky  that,  had  it  not  been  on  the  bright 
face  of  the  moon,  no  eye  could  have  detected  it.  The 
weariness  of  the  rowers  and  the  strength  of  the  cur- 
rent had  thrown  the  captains  off  their  reckoning. 

Hope  brought  new  strength  to  every  muscle.     Again 
the  canoes  are  pushed  against  the  current,  and  in  the 
gray  dawn  the  crews  leap  on  shore  and  give  thanks  to 
God.     They  hurry  about  over  the  island,  about  a  mile 
and  a  half  in  circuit.     There  is  not  a  tree,  nor  a  bush, 
nor  even  a  bit  of  grass.     All  is  rock,  unbroken  by  stream 
or  spring.     But  in  the  hollows  of  the  rock  is  an  abun- 
dance of  rain-water,  partially  cooled  by  the  night.     Dip- 
ping it  up  with  their  calabashes,  they  drank  to  their 
peril.     The  Spaniards  restrain  themselves  with  some- 
thing of  reason,  but  the  poor  famished  Indians  simply 
abandon  themselves  to  the  momentary  relief,  some  of 
them  dying  on  the  spot  and  others  falling  painfully  ill. 
Oviedo  says    that  not  far  from   this   island  there 
gushes  up  in  the  midst  of  the  sea  a  fountain  of  pure, 
fresh  water,  so  copious  as  to  sweeten  the  surface  all 
around.     But  the  poor  famished-  boatmen  knew  it  not 
Their  thirst  assuaged,  they  look  for  food.     Along  the 
shore-line,  among  the  weeds,  they  find  some  shell-fish 
thrown  up  by  the  tide.     Kindling  a  fire  with  the  drift- 
wood picked  up  here  and  there,  they  roast  and  eat  them 
with  the  keen  relish  of  fatigue  and  hunger.     Then  they 


^ 2  2  FAITHFUL  NESS  OF  MENDE Z. 

rest  on  the  rocks  and  feast  their  eyes  on  the  beatific 
vision  of  Hispaniola,  its  pnrple  mountains  and  exu- 
berant reaches  of  landscape  stretching  along  the  horr/on, 
eight  leagues  away. 

Ill  the  cool  of  the  e\  cuing  they  again  comunt  them- 
selves to  the  sea  and  reach  the  western  end  of  Hispan- 
iola the  next  dav,  the   fourth   since  leaving  Jamaica. 
Here  on  the  banks  of  the  beautiful  river  and  abun- 
dantly refreshed   by  the  kindly  natives,  they  rest  and 
recuperate  for  two  days.     The   faithful  Fiesco  would 
have  returned  at  once  to  Jamaica,  according  to  the  Ad- 
miral's directions,  but  both  Spaniards  and  natives  were 
so  horrified  by  the  toils  and  sufferings  of  the  passage 
that   they  could  not   be   induced   to  accompany  him. 
Mendex,,  though   suffering   from    a   fever,  taking   six 
Indians,  set  out  in  his  canoe  for  San  Domingo,  a  dis- 
tance of  one  hundred  and  thirty  leagues. 

Having  toiled  against  the  currents  for  eighty  leagues, 
he  learned  that  Ovando,  the  governor,  was  in  Xaragua 
fifty  miles  in  the  interior.  Abandoning  his  canoe  and 
going  alone  on  foot  through  forests  and  over  mountains, 
he  arrived  at  Xaragua,  '^  achieving  one  of  the  most 
perilous  expeditions,"  says  Irving,  ''  ever  undertaken 
by  a  devoted  follower  for  the  safety  of  his  commander. 

Now  that  such  an  herculean  effort  has  been  made  to 
bring  the  tidings  of  the  disaster  of  the  Admiral  at  Ja- 
maica to  the  governor's  ears,  what  is  the  result? 
Surely  he  will  move  heaven  and  earth  to  bring  relief  to 
the  acute  sufferings  and  imminent  perils  of  one  who 
has  been  rendering  the  most  important  services  to  his 
nation  and  to  the  worid.  Certainly,  Ovando  professes 
great  concern  at  the  sad  plight  of  Columbus,  and  makes 


\s\ 


I. 


m\ 


iwafa^ji-  iiiii  I J  iLMiiimiwwiiiaw^wtfiw 


iZ. 

1  the  beatific 
ins  and   exu- 

1  the  horizon, 

:omniit  them- 
id  of  Hispan- 
•iug  Jamaica. 
er  and  abun- 
they  rest  and 
Fiesco  would 
ng  to  the  Ad- 
:l  natives  were 
jf  the  passage 
company  him. 
:r,  taking  six 
lomiugo,  a  dis- 

;ighty  leagues, 

is  in  Xaragua, 

his  canoe  and 

ver  mountains, 

2  of  the  most 
'er  undertaken 
s  commander." 
i  been  made  to 
Admiral  at  Ja- 
is  the  result? 
)  bring  relief  to 
ils  of  one  who 
services  to  his 
/ando  professes 
ibus,  and  makes 


CRUEL  SCHEME  OF  O  VAN  DO. 


523 


all  sorts  of  promises  of  sending  immediate  relief,  but 
the  days,  the  weeks,  and  the  months  pass,  and  nothing 
uliatevcr  in  the  way  of  relief  is  attempted.  Mcnde/ 
gives  us  to  understand  that  the  governor  was  at  this 
very  time  busving  himself  with  slaughtering  the  beau- 
tiful and  hospitable  natives  of  Xaragua— massacring 
chiefs,  people,  men,  women,  and  children,  in  the  most 
indiscriminate  manner. 

Of  the   debauched  classes  of  Spanish  grandees— to 
a  great  extent  associates  of  RokUin  in  his   rebellion— 
wlu)  had  settled  in   that  lovely  part  of  the  island,  and 
taxed  the  natives  to  till  their  soil  and  carry  them  on  their 
liacks,  some  had  told  Ovando  that  a  rebellion  was  being 
concocted  by  Anacaona  and  her  caciques.     No  proofs  of 
the  said  rebellion  ever  became  tangible,  but  the  gov- 
ernor was  completely  taken  by  the  insinuations,  and 
forthwith  set  himself  to  cure  it  in  the  most  summary 
manner.      With   three  hundred   foot-soldiers,  bearing 
swords,  cross-bows,  and  arquebuses,  and  seventy  horse- 
men, well  protected  by  cuirass,  lance,  and  buckler,  he  is 
going   into  Xaragua!     Strangely  enough,  he   is  thus 
going  to  visit  the  Queen  Anacaona,  who  since  the  death 
of  her  brother,  Behechio,  has  been  recognized  as  ruler 
over  the  natives  in  this  lovely  province.     Meanwhile  he 
will  adjust  the  tribute  in  these  parts.      Anacaona,  not- 
withstanding all  she  has  suffered  from  these  intruding 
white  men,  will  still  make  the  mt)st  of  them.     Having 
notified  all  her  subordinate  chiefs  and  principal  subjects 
to  assemble,  she  goes  out  to  meet  Ovando  and  his  army. 
It  is  a  truly  spirited  and  beautiful  procession,  accord- 
ing to  the  custom  of  showing  homage  by  this  generous 
people.     Here  are  not  only  scores  of  chiefs  and  strong 


BiiW5««!.**Mii*rteS««i*aa«"*-»i'*^-" 


524 


SUNDA  r  AMrSEMENTS. 


-■■1' 


ana  lmnds(mic  men  jrencrally,  but  beautiful  women  and 
nKude.is,  moviuK^  in  the  most  spirited  and  graceful  man- 
ner, as  tliey  sing  their  areytos,  or  national  ballads^ 
The  maidens  are  waving  their  palm  branches  and 
dancing  as  charmingly  as  when  they  first  met  the 
Spaniards  led  by  Don  Bartholomew. 

When  the   procession  enters  Anacaona's  town,  she 
assigns  the  governor  her  largest  house,  and  comfort- 
ably quarters  his  men  in  other   houses   around   him 
For  days  they  are  feasted  on  all  the  good  things  of 
the  province.     The   games,  the  songs,  and  the  dances 
go  on  for  their  amusement.     Surely  there  is  nothing 
like  rebellion   in  all   this,  nor   have  historians  ever 
discovered   any   evidences   of  it.      But  unprincipled 
would-be  informants  are  still   credited,   and   without 
any  proper  investigation  Ovando  proceeds  upon  the 
worst   possible   suppositions,  and   that   in    the    most 
treacherous  manner  conceivable.      He  will  now  take 
his  tuni  and  amuse  and  entertain  these  natives,  who 
have    fairly    outdone    themselves    for    his    pleasure. 
What  could  be  more  fitting  for  this  purpose  than  that 
chivalrous  joust  with  reeds,  learned  from  the  Moors  of 
Granada  by  the  Spaniards  ?     One  Sunday  afternoon, 
on   the    public    square    and    in   front   of  the   house 
assigned  Ovando  in  this  Indian  town,  the  Spanish 
cavalrymen  assemble.     They  are  remarkable  for  their 
skilful   manoeuvres   and   the  gay   trappings  of  their 
fine  horses.      Aye,  there  is  one  steed  which  can  so 
prance  and  curvet    as  to  literally  keep  time  to  the 
viol !     But  these  horsemen  have  also  other  weapons, 
sharper  than  reeds,  and  the  footmen,  ostensibly  mere 
spectators,  are  also  to  be  well  armed,  and  all  must  act 
at  a  concerted  signal. 


MMWWEMMMW" 


»Wt*MW«!W»«l!»«<l««t«M«»<««^ 


(3jl,j^,,,,i,^,l^5(a,ae<«.,.,,«fc^^ 


THE  DBA  DL  r  SIGNAL. 


525 


ul  woiucii  and 
graceful  nian- 
tioiial  ballads, 
branches  and 
first   met   the 

na's  town,  she 
r,  and  comfort- 
around   him. 
ood  things  of 
md  the  dances 
lere  is  nothing 
listorians  ever 
unprincipled, 
,   and   without 
;eeds  upon  the 
in    the    most 
will  now  take 
se  natives,  who 
his    pleasure, 
rpose  than  that 
m  the  Moors  of 
iday  afternoon, 
.   of  the   house 
1,  the  Spanish 
.rkable  for  their 
ppings  of  their 
d  which  can  so 
ep  time  to  the 
1  other  weapons, 
ostensibly  mere 
md  all  must  act 


The  hour  appointed  arrives,  and  the  square  is 
crowded  with  natives  on  tiptoe  curiosity  to  see  the 
■  runics.  The  caciques  arc  crowded  into  Ovando  s 
house,  which  overlooks  the  square.  Unsuspecting 
innocents  !  Not  one  of  them  is  armed.  Not  one  has  an 
evil  thought.  Ovando,  who  will  appear  as  harmless 
as  a  little  child,  is  playing  with  some  of  his  principal 
ofticers  at  quoits. 

The  cavalry  is  prancing  on  the  square.     Everything 
is  waiting.     The  caciques  beg  the  governor  to  begin 
the  games.     Anacaona,  too,  and  her  beautiful  daughter 
and    beautiful    female    attendants,   all    join    in    the 
request.     Ovando  will  be  obliging,  leaves  his  game 
and  comes  forward  to  a  conspicuous  place  and  gives 
the  deadly  signal— took  hold  of  a  piece  of  gold  hang- 
ing from  his  neck,  some  say  ;   or,  as  others  say,  laid 
his  hand  on  the  Alcantaron  cross  embroidered  on  his 
tine   clothes.      The   trumpet   sounds.      The   soldiers 
under  regular  command,  at  once  surround  the  house 
in  which  are  Anacaona  and  the  chiefs.     These  latter 
are  all  tied  to  the  posts  supporting  the  roof,  while  the 
queen  is  led  out  a  prisoner.     Hark  !  the  caciques  are 
shrieking  under  the  most  terrible  tortures !     At  the 
very  extremity  of  anguish,  they  are  betrayed  into  a 
false  accusation  of  the  queen  and  of  themselves  as  to 

the  supposed  plot.  _      , 

This  is  enough.  No  regular  examination  is  needed. 
\  torch  is  put  to  the  inflammable  structure,  and  the 
cries  of  the  unhappy  chiefs  rise  above  the  raging 
flames.  Meanwhile,  a  most  shocking  massacre  is 
going  on  among  the  people.  The  horsemen  are 
rushing  through  the  crowds  of  shrieking  men,  women, 


!^«^^.*«>MStt- 


■  ■'  ^  '^►5!a*5a^rie9#:to&i  ia»43sp»ff'*a^^ 


526 


THE  SLAUGHTER. 


and  children— defenceless  and  naked.  Swords  are 
hacking  and  cntting  right  and  left,  the  spears  are 
transfixing  the  strong,  the  infirm,  and  the  little 
innocent,  while  steel-clad  hoofs  trample  down  indis- 
criminately. If  perchance  a  Spaniard,  more  humane 
than  the  rest,  catch  up  a  little  innocent,  which  appeals 
to  his  heart,  and  is  about  to  bear  it  away,  some  one 
more  demoniacal  thrusts  a  lance  through  it. 

Turning  pale  with  dismay  at   such  butchering,  v.- 
should  refuse  credence  if  we  were  not  compelled  to  ac- 
cept the  testimony  of  such  a  venerable  personage  as 
Las  Casas,  who  was  on  the  scene  of  action  at  the  time. 
Diego  Mendez,  who  was  then  in  Xaragua,  and  probably 
a  witness  of  the  scene,  says  incidentally  in  his  will  that 
the  number  of  caciques  either  burnt  or  hanged  was 
eighty-four.     Las  Casas  gives  eighty  as  the  number  in 
the  house.     The  slaughter  of  the  people  was  general 
and  well-nigh  complete.     The  few  who  escaped— some 
of  them  in  canoes  to  a  neighboring  island-were  brought 
back  and  condemned   to  slavery.     The  beautiful  and 
generous  Anacaona   was  taken   to   San   Domingo   iii 
chains,  and,  on  the  strength  of  the  confession  enforced 
by  the  most  terrific  tortures,  was  pubhcly  hanged  like 
the  vilest  criminal.     Such  was  the  final  reward  of  this 
beautiful  and  highly  accomplished  native  princess  by 
those  she  had  always  befriended  in  the  most  remarkable 
and  even  unaccountable  manner. 

This  shocking  massacre  was  not  enough  to  satisfy  the 
bloodthirstiness  of  Ovando  and  his  minions.  For  six 
months  the  governor's  horse  and  foot  continued  to  scour 
the  forests  and  mountains  in  search  of  those  who  tried  t- 
escape     When  the  poor  terrified  creatures  were  found 


iSieBiS,js3M*9i«w«i«»«*»*««****' 


DISSA  TISFA  CTION. 


527 


ed.  Swords  are 
t,  the  spears  are 
,  and  the  little 
nple  down  indis- 
rd,  more  humane 
:nt,  which  appeals 
it  away,  some  one 
)ugh  it. 

:h  butchering,  \>° 
)t  compelled  to  ac- 
ible  personage  as 
action  at  the  time, 
igua,  and  probably 
lly  in  his  will  that 
at  or  hanged  was 
r  as  the  number  in 
sople  was  general 
,'ho  escaped — some 
and — were  brought 
The  beautiful  and 

San  Domingo  in 
confession  enforced 
iblicly  hanged  like 
inal  reward  of  this 

native  princess  by 
he  most  remarkable 

nough  to  satisfy  the 
minions.  For  six 
•t  continued  to  scour 
of  those  who  tried  t" 
features  were  found 


secreted  in  dens  of  the  mountains  they  were  dragged 
forth  and  hanged  in  the  most  summary  manner  as  in- 
corrigible rebels.  In  commemoration  of  this  great 
s\mg\\.\&x— ostensibly  a  victory— Os2.vAo  founded  a  town 
called  St.  Mary  of  the  True  Peace  !  That  such  deeds 
of  cruelty  could  have  been  perpetrated  in  the  sincerity 
of  good  faith  seems  incredible.  Such  was  the  wise 
and  humane  government  which  succeeded  that  of  the 

Admiral. 

While  all  this  innocent  blood  was  being  shed,  which 
continued  through  the  greater  part  of  a  year,  Columbus 
might  lie  on  his  back  beneath  the  palm-leaf  canopy  on 
his  worm-eaten  ships,  sweltering  under  a  tropical  sun, 
twinging  with  the  gout,  half  starved,  and  harassed  by 
the  most  unreasonable  and  cruel  rebellions  ! 

The  last  word  of  the  previous  paragraph  is  the  key- 
note to  the  next  incident  in  the  experience  of  Colum- 
bus at  Jamaica— the  rebellion  of  the  Porras  brothers. 
It  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  no  tidings  whatever 
had  arrived  as  to  the  canoe-voyage  of  Mendez  and 
Fiesco  to  Hispaniola.     Meanwhile,  many  of  those  on 
the  thatched  wrecks  fell  sick,  some  in  consequence  of 
the  unparalleled  hardships  of  the  voyage,  and  some 
because    of    the    lack  of    their    wonted    provisions, 
especially  wine  and  flesh  ;  for  the  Spaniards  could  not 
readily  adapt  themselves  to  the  light  vegetable  diet 
of  the  Indians.      Then,  too,  the  depression  of  mmd 
incident  to  their  deplorable  situation  must  have  told 
heavily  on  the  nerves  and  tissues  of  the  healthiest 
bodies.     And  what  could  have  been  more  favorable  to 
the  development   of  a  mutinous  spirit  than  the  un- 
interrupted idleness   necessitated   by   the    situation? 


M 


M 

.4i-' 

i 


If 


528 


MURMURING. 


Very  soon  mutterings  arose  here  and  there.     "  The 
Admiral   would  return  into  Spain  no  more,  because 
their  Catholic  Majesties  had  turned  him  off,  nor  much 
less  to  Hispaniola,  where  he  had  been  refused  admit- 
tance at  his  coming  from  Spain,  and  that  he  had  sent 
those   in   the   canoes   into   Spain   to   solicit  his  own 
affairs,  and  not  to  bring  ships  or  other  succors,  and 
that  he  designed,  whilst  they   were   soliciting  Jheir 
Catholic  Majesties,  to  stay  there  to  fulfil  his  banish- 
ment,  for   otherwise   Bartholomew   Fiesco  had   been 
come  back  by  this  time,  as  was  given  out  he  was  to 
do.     Besides,  they  knew  not  whether  he  and  James 
Mendez  were  drowned  by  the  way,  which,  if  it  had 
happened,  they  should  never  be  relieved  if  they  did 
not  take  care  for  it  themselves,  since  the  Admiral  did 
not  seem  to  look  to  it  for  the  reasons  aforesaid,  and 
because  of  the  gout,  which  had  so  seized  all  his  limbs 
that  he  could  scarce  stir  in  his  bed,  much  less  undergo 
the  fatigue  and  danger  of  going  over  to  Hispaniola  m 
canoes."'     Then,  too,  they   would  better  come  to  a 
resolution  in  this  matter  while  they  were  well.     They 
might  fall  sick  at  any  time,  and  then  there  would  be 
no  such  thing  as  getting  away.     Nor  could  the  Ad- 
miral  in   his   present  state  of  prostration  bar  their 
departure.      At  Hispaniola,  where  he  had   so   many 
enemies,  they    could    not    fail    to  be   well   received, 
especially  since  they  could  report  him  in  so  helpless  a 
condition.     Once  in  Spain,  Fonseca  would  make  their 
case  good,  as  would  also  "  Morales,  who  kept  for  his 
mistress  the  sister  of  those  Porrases,  the  ringleaders 
of  the  mutineers  and  chief  fomenters  of  the  sedition, 


» Fernando  Columbus,  chapter  cii. 


'  ..^.jji^aumit^if^Aiaiammfmi^am^mitf^mt-'i 


,.9^as«i^»««!MMjMMa«>'^M,'^K»'^ 


REBELLION. 


529 


.  there.     "  The 
more,  because 
1  off,  nor  much 
refused  adrait- 
at  he  had  sent 
solicit  his  own 
er  succors,  and 
joliciting  Jheir 
[fil  his  banish- 
esco  had   been 
n  out  he  was  to 
he  and  James 
hich,  if  it  had 
;ved  if  they  did 
;he  Admiral  did 
s  aforesaid,  and 
;ed  all  his  limbs 
ch  less  undergo 
;o  Hispaniola  in 
;tter  come  to  a 
2re  well.     They 

1  there  would  be 
)r  could  the  Ad- 
ration  bar  their 

2  had  so  many 
;   well   received, 

in  so  helpless  a 
ould  make  their 
who  kept  for  his 
,  the  ringleaders 
i  of  the  sedition, 


:u. 


who  did  not  doubt  but  they  should  be  well  received  by 
their  Catholic  Majesties,  before  whom  all  the  fault 
would  be  laid  upon  the  Admiral,  as  had  been  done  m 
the  affairs  of  Hispaniola  with  Roldan  ;  and  ther 
Majesties  would  the  rather  seize  him  and  take  all  he 
had  than  be  obliged  to  perform  all  that  was  agreed 
upon  between  them  and  him."^ 

These   Porras  brothers,  Francisco  and   Diego,  the 
former   made   captain   of  one   of  the   ships,  and  the 
latter  notary  and  accountant-general   by   Columbus, 
who  had  been  induced  to  favor  them  by  Morales,  the 
royal  treasurer,  had  been  treated  like  relatives,  even 
when  they  had  proved  themselves  incapable  of  filling 
their  several  offices.     It  would  seem  that  those  whom 
the  Admiral  favored  most  were  most  susceptible  of 
ingratitude.      On   the    2d  of  January   a   completely 
organized  mutiny  discovered  itself.     Francisco  de  Por- 
ras came  rudely  into  the  cabin  on  the  stern  of  the 
caravel,  where  Columbus  lay,  a  complete  cripple  from 

the  gout.  .    .        J  J 

''My  lord,"  said  he,  in  a  highly  irritated  mood, 
"what  is  the  meaning  that  you  will  not  go  into 
Spain,  and  will  keep  us  all  here  perishing  ?  " 

"  I  do  not  see  how  we  can  get  away  till  those  who 
have  gone  to  Hispaniola  in  the  canoes  send  us  a  ship," 
said  Columbus.  "  No  ma^  can  be  more  desirous  of 
getting  away  from  this  place  than  I  am,  as  well  for 
my  own  interests  as  for  the  good  of  you  all,  and  I  fully 
realize  how  accountable  I  am  for  the  welfare  of  each 
one  of  you.  If  you  have  anything  to  propose,  I  will 
readily  call  the  officers  together  in  consultation,  as  I 
have  more  than  once  done  heretofore." 

~~^  1  Fernando  Columbus,  chapter  cii. 


•"wmaMMiWI^eNtKiNW*' 


I 


530 


REBELLION. 


"  It  is  no  time  to  talk,"  replied  Porras,  bruskly, 
"  but  a  time  to  act,  and  to  act  promptly,  or  we  may 
stay  here  forever." 

And  turning  his  back  on  the  Admiral  he  said  in 
a  loud  and  defiant  voice,  "  I  am  for  Spain  with  those 
who  will  follow  me."     At  once  his  followers  began  to 
cry   out  here  and   there,    "We   will   go  with  you," 
"We    will    go    with    you."      Running   about,   they 
"possessed   themselves   of    the  forecastle,  poop,  and 
roundtops,  all  in  confusion,  and  crying,    '  Let  them 
die ; '  others,  '  For  Spain,'    '  For  Spain,'  and  others, 
'  What  shall  we  do,  captain  ?  '     Though  the  Admiral 
was  then  in  bed,  so  lame  of  the  gout  that  he  could  not 
stand,  yet  he  could  not  forbear  rising  and  stumbling 
out  at  this  noise.      But  two  or  three  worthy  persons, 
his  servants,  laid  hold  of  him  and  with  labor  laid  him 
on  his  bed  that  the  mutineers  might  not  murder  him. 
Then  they  ran  to  his  brother,  who  was  courageously 
come  out  with  a  half  pike  in  his  hand,  and,  wrest- 
ing it  out  of  his  hands,  put  him  in  to  his  brother, 
desiring  Captain  Porras  to  go  about  his  business  and 
not  do  some  mischief  they  might  all  suffer  for ;  that  he 
might  be  satisfied  they  did  not  oppose  his  going ;  but 
if  he  should  kill  the  Admiral,  he  could  not  expect  but 
to  be  severely  punished,  without  hopes  of  any  benefit. 
"The  tumult  being  somewhat  appeased,  the   con- 
spirators took  ten  canoes  that  were  by  the  ship's  side, 
and   which   the   Admiral   had  bought  all   about  the 
island,  and  went  aboard  them  as  joyfully  as  if  they 
had  been  in  some  part  of  Spain.     Upon  this,  many 
more,  who   had  no  hand    in  the  plot,  in  despair  to 
see  themselves,  as  they  thought,  forsaken,  taking  what 


waawaawisaai 


MISCHIEF. 


531 


)rras,  bruskly, 
tly,  or  we  may 

iral  he  said  in 
lain  with  those 
:>wers  began  to 
ro  with  you," 
g   about,   they 
stle,  poop,  and 
g,    '  Let  them 
I,'  and  others, 
h  the  Admiral 
at  he  could  not 
and  stumbling 
I'orthy  persons, 
labor  laid  him 
ot  murder  him. 
LS  courageously 
nd,  and,  wrest- 
to  his  brother, 
s  business  and 
Fer  for ;  that  he 
his  going ;  but 
I  not  expect  but 
of  any  benefit, 
eased,  the   con- 
the  ship's  side, 
:  all   about  the 
illy  as  if  they 
pon  this,  many 
t,  in  despair  to 
en,  taking  what 


they  could  along  with  them,  went  aboard  the  canoes 
with  them,  to  the  great  sorrow  and  affliction  of  those 
few  faithful  servants  who  remained  with  the  Admiral, 
and  of  all  the  sick,  who  thought  themselves  lost  for- 
ever and  without  hope  of  ever  getting  oflf.  And  it  is 
certain  that  had  the  people  been  well,  not  twenty  men 
had  remained  with  the  Admiral,  who  went  out  to  comfort 
his  men  with  the  best  words  the  posture  of  his  aflfairs 
would  suggest ;  and  the  mutineers,  with  their  captain, 
Francisco  de  Porras,  in  their  canoes,  went  away  to  the 
east  point  of  the  island."^ 

On  their  way  they  did  as  much  mischief  as  possible. 
They  insulted  the  natives,  taking  by  force  provisions 
or  anything  else  they  wanted,  and  telling  them  to  go 
to  the  Admiral  for  their  pay.  If  he  would  not  pay 
them  thev  might  put  him  to  deaLh,  which,  indeed,  was 
the  best  thing  they  could  do.  Was  he  not  hated  by 
the  Christians  ?  Had  he  not  been  the  cause  of  all  the 
ills  suffered  by  the  Indians  of  Hay  ti  ?  He  would  soon 
treat  them  in  like  manner  if  they  did  not  put  him  out 
of  the  way,  for  that  was  his  design  in  staying  there. 

Having  reached  the  eastern  extremity  of  Jamaica, 
they  set  out  for  Hispaniola  as  soon  as  there  was  a  calm, 
taking  Indians  to  paddle  the  canoes.  But  they  had 
miscalculated  the  weather.  Their  canoes,  too  heavily 
loaded,  made  poor  headway  in  a  rough  sea  with  wind 
ahead ;  they  therefore  resolved  to  turn  back  before  they 
had  made  four  leagues  at  sea.  Then  they  were  not  skil- 
ful in  managing  their  canoes,  and  the  water  coming  m 
over  the  sides  they  threw  everything  overboard  but 

1  The  above  quotation,  are  from  Fernando  Columbu.'s  Life  of  the  Admi- 
ral.   They  are  the  words  of  an  eye-witness.     Chapter  cii. 


W^~  'v*^Wi«i|lW^(jtorjSfll|rrifr.i|rttfigi*«T«W  aiW-a^ "-•»*'»»■>"•=> 


I 

m 


532 


CRUELTl. 


% 


I 


their  arms  and  the  provisions  needed  on  the  way  back. 
As   the  wind   became  stronger   their  fears  increased, 
and  they  resolved  to  murder  the  Indians  and  throw 
them  overboard.     When  they  had  killed  some  of  these 
poor   natives,   others   became   so   terrified    that   they 
sprang  overboard,  trusting  to  their  skill  in  swimming 
as   a  means   of  escape.      But  when  they  became   so 
weary  that  they  caught  hold  of  the  sides  of  the  canoes 
in   order   to   recover   their  breath,  their   hands  were 
chopped  off  and  their  bodies  otherwise  wounded.    Hav- 
ing thus   butchered   eighteen,  they  spared   a  few  to 
guide   the   canoes  which   they  themselves  could   not 
handle.     Such  was  their  treatment  of  these  timorous 
beings  whom  they  had  overpersuaded  and  coaxed  into 
this  perilous  voyage. 

Having  made  their  way  back  to  Jamaica,  they  were 
much  divided  in  opinion  as  to  what  it  might  be  best  to 
do.     Some  were  for  running  over  to  Cuba  and  thence 
putting  across  to  Hispaniola ;  others  proposed  going 
back  and  making  such  terms  of  peace  as  they  could 
with  the  Admiral,  or,  perhaps,  taking  away  from  him 
by  force  such   provisions   and  arms  as  he   still   had, 
while  others  preferred  to  stay  where  they  were  till 
another  calm,  when  they  might  renew  their  attempt 
for  a  voyage  to  Hispaniola.     This  last  advice  prevail- 
ing, they  foraged   about  the  neighborhood  a  month 
waiting  for  fair  weather ;  but  after  two  attempts  with- 
out success,  "they  set  out  towards  the  west  from  one 
town  to  another,  with  an  ill-will,  without  canoes  or  any 
comfort,  sometimes  eating  what  they  found,  and  taking 
it  where    they  could    by  force,   according  to    their 


in 


mill  I «imiMW'W|iW*i'''r  fiM iliolHMW t' '  I f  1f*W"V**"' 


DEPRESSION  OF  COLUMBUS. 


533 


I  the  way  back, 
iars  increased, 
ms  and  throw 
1  some  of  these 
ied    that   they 
1  in  swimming 
ley  became   so 
iS  of  the  canoes 
;ir   hands  were 
mounded.    Hav- 
)ared   a  few  to 
Ives  could   not 
these  timorous 
ind  coaxed  into 

laica,  they  were 
night  be  best  to 
uba  and  thence 
proposed  going 
e  as  they  could 
away  from  him 
is  he   still   had, 
:  they  were  till 
yvr  their  attempt 
advice  prevail- 
)rhood  a  month 
o  attempts  with- 
e  west  from  one 
ut  canoes  or  any 
mnd,  and  taking 
ording  to    their 


strength    and   that   of    the   caciques   through   whose 
territories  they  passed."* 

To  return  to  Columbus  :  on  his  worm-eaten,  stranded 
ships,  forsaken  by  nearly  all  the  healthy  and  available 
part  of  his  crews,  and  racked  by  the  pains  of  exhaustion 
and  acute  disease,  his  most  incorrigible  and  pitiless 
enemy  could  scarcely  have  conceived  anything  worse 
for  him.     What  heart  could  fail  to  be  moved  by  the 
wailing  utterances  he  recorded  to  his  sovereigns  while 
ill  Jamaica  ?     "  Hitherto,"  he  says,  "  I  have  wept  over 
others  •  may  Heaven  now  have  mercy  upon  me,  and 
may  the  earth  weep  for  me.     With  regard  to  temporal 
things,  I  have  not  even  a  blanca  for  an  offering ;    and 
in  spiritual  things,  I  have  ceased  here  in  the  Indies 
from  observing  the  prescribed  forms  of  religion.     Sol- 
itary in  my  trouble,  sick,  and  in  daily  expectation  of 
death,  surrounded  by  millions  of  hostile  savages  full 
of  cruelty,  and  thus  separated  from  the  blessed  sacra- 
ments of  our  holy  church,  how  will  my  soul  be  for- 
gotten if  it  be  separated  from  the  body  in  this  foreign 
land?     Weep  for  me,  whoever  has  charity,  truth,  and 

^''buT  afflictions  and  trials  did  not  deter  the  Admiral 
from  present  duty.  The  sick  were  so  devotedly  cared 
for  that  they  soon  became  convalescent,  and  the  Indians 
were  so  conciliated  by  kind  treatment  that  they  con- 
tinued to  bring  provisions  in  exchange  for  tnnkets  and 
European  commodities.  "  But  they  being  a  people  that 
take  little  pains  in  sowing,"  says  Fernando  Columbus, 
"  and  we  eating  more  in  one  day  than  they  did  in  twenty, 
besides  having  no  longer  any  inclination^ toour^m- 

»  Fernando  Columbus,  chapter  cii. 


48itf<M»sMtiMtai»rv 


I 

i 
t 


1 

'■■V. 


534 


WANT  OF  FOOD. 


modities  and  making  little  account  of  them,  they  began 

in  some  measure  to  take  the  advice  of  the  mutineers, 

since  they  saw  so  great  a  part  of  our  men  against  us, 

and  therefore  brought  not  such  plenty  of  provisions  as 

we  stood  in  need  of     This  brought  us  to  great  distress  ; 

for  if  we  would  have  taken  it  by  force,  the  greatest  part 

of  us  must  have  gone  ashore  in  warlike  manner  and 

have  left  the  Admiral  aboard  in  great  danger,  he  being 

very  ill  of  the  gout;  and  if  we  expected  they  should 

bring  it  of  their  own  accord,  we  must  live  in  misery, 

and  give  ten  times  as  much  for  it  as  we  did  at  first,  they 

knowing  how  to  make  their  bargains,  as  being  sensible 

of  the  advantages  they  had  over  us." 

But   the   Admiral   was  a  great  sailor  even  on  dry 
land,  and   was   about   as   expert  in  managing  a  com- 
munity  of   savage   chieftains   as    in   controlmg   mu- 
tinous sailors.      Even  the  most  striking  phenomena 
of  nature  must  be  utilized  in  directing  human  thought 
and  action.      In  three  days  there  would  be  an  eclipse 
of  the  moon.     An  interpreter  was  sent  out  to  summon 
all  the  principal  Indians  on  the  island,  for  he  wished 
to   talk   with   them  concerning  a  matter  of  great  im- 
portance.    They  arrived  the  day  before  the  echpse, 
and  the  interpreter  was  instructed  to  tell  them  that 
the   God   in   whom  these  Christians  believed      took 
care  of  the   good  and  punished  the  wicked,"  hence 
those   Spaniards   who    h.d    rebelled    had    not    been 
permitted  to  reach  Hispaniola,  as  Mendez  and  Fiesco 
had    but  had  wandered  about  miserably,  as  all   the 
islanders  knew,  and  this  great  God  was  angry  with 
the   Indians    because   they   neglected  to    bring    the 
Christians  food  in   exchange   for  their  commodities. 


i,gmm^»»t'^'^^>^ 


THE  ECLIPSE. 


535 


;m,  they  began 
the  mutineers, 
len  against  us, 
if  provisions  as 
)  great  distress ; 
lie  greatest  part 
:e  manner  and 
anger,  he  being 
ted  they  should 
live  in  misery, 
did  at  first,  they 
s  being  sensible 

or  even  on  dry 
1  an  aging  a  com- 
controling   mn- 
ing  phenomena 
human  thought 
lid  be  an  eclipse 
;  out  to  summon 
d,  for  he  wished 
tter  of  great  im- 
fore  the  eclipse, 
o  tell  them  that 
believed   "took 
wicked,"  hence 
had    not    been 
;ndez  and  Fiesco 
ably,  as  all   the 
was  angry  with 
d  to    bring    the 
leir  commodities. 


Plasue  and  famine  would,  therefore  come  -"^  ^  ,P     " 

,  ,raent  upon  the  island,  and,  lest  they  shon  d  donbt 

there  would  be  a  sign  given  them  in  the  heavens^ 

That  very  night  they  would  behold  the  moon  "  n  e 

:,lgrya',dof  a'bloody  hue,"  in  token  of  the  judgments 

'vbout  to  fall  upon  them. 

The  Indians  went  away,  some  of  them  more  or  less 
terrified,   and   some   of  them   regarding    the    matter 
merely  as  an  "  idle  tale."     When  the  tttoon  arose,  the 
dark  shadow  began  to  advanee  upon  her,  .ncreas.ng 
she  aseended       The  Indians  were  on  the  lookout 
fo.  it  and  were  so  terrified  that  they  came  running 
in, all'directions,  loaded  down  with  provisions      crying 
Id  lamenting,"  and  beseeching  the  Admiral  "  by  al 
™llrto  intLede  with  God  for  them  that  he  mlgh 
not   make   them  feel   the   effects  of  his  v"'''''.  "f 
promising  for  the  future  carefully  to  bring  him  all  he 

"The^Admiral  promised  to  speak  with  God  for  them, 
and  to  this  end,  shut  himself  up  during  the  remainder 
o?  the  eclipse,  the   Indians   meanwhile  keeping  up 
the  r  cries  Znd  entreaties  for  help.     When  the  eclipse 
began  to  recede  and  the  moon  became  bright  he  came 
on!  of  his  cabin,  "saying  he  had  prayed  to  God  for 
them  and  promised  him  in  their  names  they  would  be 
good  for  the  future  and  use  the  Christians  wel    brtng- 
L  them  provisions  and  other  necessanes,  and  that 
therefor^  God  forgave  them,  and  as  a  token  of  ,t  they 
Ihould  see  the  angriness  and  bloody  color  of  the  moon 
gooff"' 


1  pernandoColumbtu,  chapter  ciii. 


'  Ibid. 


ii.iiiiiiiMiii'i   in — 


536 


^UEIU 


H 


Ul 


^¥r 


^ 


While  he  was  speaking  the  change  mentioned  took 
place ;  so  the  natives,  overjoyed  at  the  sight,  con- 
tinued to  thank  the  Admiral  and  to  praise  God  till  the 
moon  was  quite  restored  to  them.  "  From  that  time 
forward,"  says  Fernando  Columbus,  "they  always 
took  care  to  provide  all  that  was  necessary,  ever 
praising  the  God  of  the  Christians,  for  they  believed 
the  eclipses  they  had  seen  at  other  times  had  denoted 
mischief  to  befall  them;  and  being  ignorant  of  the 
cause  of  them  and  that  they  happened  at  certain 
times,  not  believing  it  possible  to  know  on  earth  what 
was  to  happen  in  the  heavens,  they  certainly  con- 
cluded the  God  of  the  Christians  had  revealed  it  to 
the  Admiral." 

Eight  months  had  passed  since  Mendez  and  Fiesco 
had  launched  their  canoes  for  Hispaniola,  and  yet  no 
word  of  any  kind  had  come  back.  The  men  still 
remaining  with  Columbus,  especially  those  having 
recovered  from  their  sickness,  were  becoming  very 
impatient.  Some  thought  that  the  above-named 
comrades  had  been  lost  at  sea,  others  feared  they  had 
been  killed  by  the  Indians  on  landing  at  Hispaniola, 
while  others  conjectured  that  they  might  have  fallen 
victims  to  the  hardships  they  must  have  encountered 
along  the  south  side  of  Hispaniola,  in  the  hundred 
leagues  of  rough  and  mountainous  coast  washed  by 
a  strong  westward  current,  before  they  could  reach 
San  Domingo.  Their  suspicions  were  still  further 
increased  by  a  report  from  the  Indians  of  an  upturned 
canoe  which  they  had  seen  floating  on  the  beach- 
one  which  the  mutineers  may  have  sent  adrift  for  the 
very   purpose  of    creating  an    alarm.      Concluding, 


""""mimmit^m^m'tsii^, 


ESCOIiAR'S  CALL. 


537 


entioned  took 
le  sight,  con- 
e  God  till  the 
rom  that  time 
'  they  always 
;ccssary,    ever 

they  believed 
!S  had  denoted 
tiorant  of  the 
id  at  certain 
on  earth  what 
:ertainly   con- 

reveale'd  it  to 

lez  and  Fiesco 
a,  and  yet  no 
rhe  men  still 
those  having 
ecoming  very 
above-named 
;ared  they  had 
at  Hispaniola, 
fht  have  fallen 
je.  encountered 
L  the  hundred 
.St  washed  by 
y  could  reach 
;  still  further 
jf  an  upturned 
11  the  beach — 
t  adrift  for  the 
Concluding, 


therefore,  that  no  relief  would  ever  come  to  tliem, 
another  mutiny,  consisting  mostly  of  those  who  had 
i)een  too  sick  to  get  away  on  the  former  occasion,  was 
iibout  to  break  out,  when  fortunately  one  afternoon, 
near  night,  the  novel  sight  of  a  sail  in  the  distance 
brought  a  quietus. 

The  craft,  sent  out  by  Ovando,  cast  anchor  near  the 
stranded  caravels,  and  the  captain,  Diego  dc  Escobar, 
known  as   one  of  the  most  active  coadjutors  of  Rol- 
dan's  rebellion  and  condemned  to  death  by  Columbus, 
but   pardoned   by    Bobadilla,  entered  a  boat   and  ap- 
proached   the    wrecks.       He   came   near   enough    to 
deliver  a  letter  from  Ovando,  and  also  a  cask  of  wine 
and  some  bacon  ;  then,  moving  away  quite  a  distance, 
he   told   Columbus   that   he   had   been    sent   by   the 
governor   to   express   his    deep    regrets   at    his    mis- 
fortunes, that  he  unfortunately  had  no  vessel   large 
enough   to  bring  away  him    and   his  crews,  but  that 
he  hoped  soon  t6  accommodate  him.      The  Admiral's 
affairs,  too,  at  Hispaniola  were  being  faithfully  looked 
after.     If  he  wished  to  send  a  letter  to  the  governor, 
would  he  prepare  it  quickly,  as  he  must  return  at  once. 
All   this   was   truly   an  enigma.     Columbus  wrote 
hastily   to   Ovando   in    the    most    friendly    manner, 
depicting  his  deplorable  situation,  the  late  rebellion, 
and    his    dependence   upon   the   good   offices   of  the 
governor;   moreover,  he  especially  commended  Men- 
dez  and  Fiesco  to  his  favor,  assuring  him  that  they 
had  set  out  on  their  perilous  voyage  simply  as  the 
messengers  of  his  distressed  condition.     On  receiving 
the  letter,  Escobar  returned  immediately  to  his  craft 
and  set  sail  in  the  gloom  of  the  coming  night. 


538 


EX  PLANA  TION  AND  ^IZ/tU  Y. 


% 


In 


As  the  disappointed  crews  watched  the  retreating  sail, 
they  were  still  more  and  more  perplexed  at  the  cool- 
ness and  sndden  departnre  of  these  niessenji^ers, 
who  had  not  heen  allowed  to  interconnnnnicatc  with 
them.  Colnnibus,  reading  their  gloomy  disappointment 
in  their  faces,  assnred  them  that  he  was  satisfied  with 
the  message,  and  Ijclieved  that  relief  wcmld  soon  come. 
Did  it  seem  strange  to  them  that  he  had  not  retnrned 
with  Kscobar  ?  He  preferred  to  remain  and  share  their 
lot  till  a  ship  large  enongh  to  take  them  all  away  might 
arrive.     Hope  revived,  and  the  heart  went  out  ot  the 

conspiracy. 

But  as  Columbus  reflected  he  found  much  ground  f(  r 
query  in  this  strange  and  hasty  call  from  one  of  his 
most  malicious  enemies.     Since  Mendez  had  performed 
his  mission  so  faithfully  and  in  so  short  a  time,  why 
had  not  this  much  at  least  been  done  before?     And 
why  now  was  the  relief  so  scanty— barely  enough  to  tanta- 
lize them  ?     Was  Ovando  afraid  to  have  him  returned  to 
Spain,  lest  he  should  be  reinstated  in  his  viceroyalty, 
and  so  displace  him;    or  did  he    hope   by  this   long 
delay  to  insure  his  death  on  this  lonely  island,  among 
savages  ?     Was  the  unfriendly  Escobar  merely  a  spy, 
sent  out  to  ascertain  something  as  to  these  possibilities  ? 
To  this  very  hour  impartial  students  of  history  have 
continued  to  ask  these  same  questions,  but  no  answer 
has  ever  suggested  itself   which  does  not  imply   the 
most  culpable  and  shameful  neglect  of  a  noble  and  most 
serviceable  man,  whom  the  world  still  delights  to  honor. 
Should  we  not  believe  Ovando  guilty  of  some  dark 
and  sinister  purpose,  the  fact  still  remains  that  he  was 
at  least  unmindful  of  the  keen  sufferings  incident  to  so 


.i 


-'•»*«aeiteai«i**Biefc«»-if  .**«sas«i***fe*«*i*«^s*y***^^ 


'.-aJWHJW*'  ' 


retre.'itinjij  sail, 
d  at  the  cool- 
messeiij^ers, 
inutiicatc  with 
isappointmcnt 
satisfied  with 
lid  soon  come. 
I  not  returned 
md  share  their 
ill  away  might 
;nt  out  of  the 

uch  ground  fit  r 
*om  one  of  his 

had  performed 
rt  a  time,  why 

before  ?  And 
monghtotanta- 
liini  returned  to 
iis  viceroyalty, 
:  by  this  long 
'  island,  among 

merely  a  spy, 
56  possibilities  ? 
of  histor}'  have 
,  but  no  answer 

not  imply   the 

noble  and  most 
flights  to  honor. 
y  of  some  dark 
ins  that  he  was 
rs  incident  to  so 


O  VANDO'S  A/)M/y/ST/fA  770\. 


539 


jrreat  a  calamity,  and  that  is  still  further  nggravatal  m 
that  he  was  at  this  very  time,  as  it  would  appear,  com- 
pletely absorbed  in  the  most   shameless  and  cruel  per- 
secution of  the   natives.      The  exterminating  wars,  in 
which  the  aged,  the   infirm,  and  those  in  helpless  in- 
fancy w^^-c  alike  subjected  to  tlie  most  iudiscnmuuite 
slaughter ;  the  manner  in  which  captives  were  gil)bctcd, 
hacked  in  pieces,  wrapped  in  dry  straw  and  set  on  fire, 
„r  were  sent  away  with  their  hands  cut  off,  that  the  l)leed- 
ing  stumps  of  their  arms  might  be  a  warning  to  those 
disposed  to  rebel  against  Spanish  tyranny;  how  others 
were  nuide  to  slave  in  the  mines,  long  distances  from 
their  homes,  for  a  mere  pittance  of  pay  which   mocked 
the  pangs  of  hunger ;    how  many   of    the   oppressed 
natives  resorted  to  suicide  as  an  escape  from  the  most 
cruel  outrages ;  how  others  died  from  exhaustion  on  their 
way  home  from  the  mines— all  this  and  immeasurably 
more  even  to  the  extermination  of  millions  of  the  once 
happy  aborigines  of  these  elysian  isles  in  a  few  decades, 
all  is  told  by  the  saintly  Las  Casas,  who  was  an  eye- 
witness of  the  sho/  -ig  scenes  and  spent  his  life  in 
trying  to   alleviate  i       miseries  of  the  poor  unfortu- 

'  Such  was  the  administration  of  Ovando,  who  had  been 
sent  to  Hispaniola  to  correct  the  supposed  misrule  of  Co- 
lumbus, and  especially  in  respect  to  his  so-called  cruel 
treatment  of  the  natives.  In  no  .way  does  the  govern- 
ment of  the  Admiral  appear  so  favorable,  particularly  in 
rpspect  to  the  natives,  as  when  contrasted  with  the  hor- 
rors of  the  rule  of  Bobadilla  and  Ovando,  whose  exter- 
minating oppression  of  the  Indian  servants  and  slaves 
finds  its  explanation  in  their  determination  to  gain  favor 


"yiJiW"*"' 


^^ 


.Q  OVERTURES  TO  THE  REBELS. 

with  the  Spanish  so-ereigus  by  swelling  their  coffers 
with  the  much-coveted  gold  from  the  Indies.  Indeed, 
the  entire  scheme  of  their  management  was  a  carefully 
studied  and  well-organized  plan  to  this  particular  end, 
without  any  apparent  regard  for  justice  or  human 
rights  Las  Casas,  whose  detailed  account  of  the 
cruelties  of  the  Spaniards  to  the  natives  is  so  sickening 
as  to  be  well-nigh  unreadable,  says,  "  All  these  things 
and  others  revolting  to  human  nature  my  own  eyes 
beheld ;  and  now  I  almost  fear  to  repeat  them,  scarce 
believing  myself,  or  whether  1  have  not  dreamt  them. 

But  to  return  to  the  Admiral  on  his  worm-eaten  ships, 
we  find  the  whole  aspect  of  things  changed  by  Esco- 
bar's short  and  mysterious  call.     Hope  had  returned  to 
every  heart,  and  a  vantage-ground  had  been  gained  for 
treating  with  the  rebels,  with  whom,  now  that  it  was 
clear  how  safely  and  successfully  Mendez  and  Fiesco 
had  made  their   voyage   and  ultimately  accomp  ished 
their  purpose,  and  that  the  services   of  the   Admiral 
would  be  acknowledged  and  he  treated  with  favor  at 
court,  it  was  thought  fit  to  make  overtures.     Two  ot  tne 
most  noted  men  in  the  crews,  therefore,  were  sent,  car- 
rving  along  with  them   some  of  the   newly   arrived 
bacon  as  proof  positive  that  a  ship  had  really  arrived. 
The  main  item  of  the  proposition  was  an  offer  of  pardon 
to  all,  irrespective  of  the  past,  and  free  passage  with  the 
Admiral  to  Spain  in  the  ships  expected  in  case  they 
would  return  at  once  to  their  allegiance.  _ 

Porras  came  out  to  meet  the  messengers,  keeping  his 
men  back  lest  they  should  be  moved  by  the  propositions 
which  might  be  made.     Bu^the  ears  of  his  men  were 

1  Lib.  ii.,  cap.  17,  MS. 


sh 


3  ELS. 

ig  their  coffers 
ndies.     Indeed, 

was  a  carfifully 

particular  end, 
jtice  or  human 
account  of  the 
3  is  so  sickening 
yi  these  things 
e  my  own  eyes 
sat  them,  scarce 
t  dreamt  them.'" 
orm-eaten  ships, 
langed  by  Esco- 
:  had  returned  to 

been  gained  for 
now  that  it  was 
ndez  and  Fiesco 
ily  accomplished 

of  the  Admiral 
;ed  with  favor  at 
ires.  Two  of  the 
•e,  were  sent,  car- 
e  newly  arrived 
lad  really  arrived, 
an  offer  of  pardon 
:  passage  with  the 
ted  in  case  they 
ce. 

igers,  keeping  his 
)y  the  propositions 
\  of  his  men  were 


AUDACITY  OF  THE  REBELS. 


541 


sharp;    they  readily  caught   the   intelligence  of    the 
arrival  of  the  caravel,  the  good  health  c^  those  with  the 
Admiral,  and  the  overtures  he  was  making.       After 
several  consultations  on  the  part  of  the  leading  muti- 
neers, it  was  resolved  not  to  accept  the  Admiral's  offers, 
uor  to  regard  the  general  proffer  of  pardon  he  had  sent. 
If  two  ships  should  arrive  for  his  conveyance,  and  he 
would  allow  them  one,  they  would  go  peaceably  to  Plis- 
paniola.     Should  there  be  but  one  ship,  he  might  assign 
them  half  of  it.     And  since  they  had  lost  their  clothing 
and  commodities  for  trade  in  their  ill-fated  attempts  to 
leave  the  island,  he  must  share  what  he  had  with  them. 
When  the  messengers  pronounced  these  proposal!  un- 
reasonable they  had  the  audacity  to  say  if*  these  terms 
^vere  not  granted  them  "  by  fair  means,"  they  would 
take  them  "  by  force." 

When   Porras   and   his   associate   leaders    reported 
themselves  to  the  rank  and  file  of  the  mutineers  they 
discovered  that   they   were   not    sustained    in    their 
decision.     A  general   amnesty  I    a  free  and  honorable 
return  to  Spain  ! — these  were  items  not  to  be  thrown 
away  as  trifles.      Besides,  the  magnitude  of  the  pros- 
trate,  suffering   Admiral   rose  before   them   in    such 
proportions  that  they  dared  not  continue  obnoxious 
to  his  power.      But  the  deceitful  eloquence  of  Porras 
rose  equal   to   the   emergency.      It  would  not  do  to 
risk  dissension  in  this  hour  of  danger.     They  must 
beware  of  this  bait,  he  insinuated,  for  the   Admiral 
was  naturally  cruel  and  vindictive,  and  would  make 
them  smart  when  they  came  into  his  power.     As  for 
themselves — the  Porras  brothers — they  had  influence 
at  court,  and  therefore  had  nothing  to  fear.     Had  not 


.':^»ja5S!6ytfcj(^B>-i«"5w>*'-*^"***''*'''^ 


342     INCORRIGIBILITY  OF  THE  MUTINEERS. 

Roldau  and  his  company  rejected  all  Columbus's  offers, 
and  persisted  in  their  rebellion,  and  yet  came  out  to 
great  advantage  in  the  end,  even  sending  the  Admiral 
home  in  chains?  As  for  that  phantom  ship  just 
reported,  it  was  a  mere  illusion  of  the  twilight,  con- 
jured up  by  art  magiq  in  which  Columbus  was  known 
to  be  a  great  adept.  If  it  had  been  a  real  caravel,  why 
did  net  its  crew  communicate  with  those  on  the  wrecks  ? 
Why  did  it  stay  so  short  a  time  ?  Why  did  not  the 
Admiral,  with  his  brother  and  son,  embark  on  its  home- 
ward voyage  ?  This  harangue,  so  shrewdly  put,  had  the 
desired  effect.  The  men  concluded  to  remain  iu 
rebellion,  and,  going  at  once  with  Porras  to  the  ships, 
take  by  force  what  they  wanted,  and  capture  the 
Admiral. 

The  mutineers  approached  within  about  a  mile  of 
the  ships,  but  Columbus  was  informed  of  them,  and 
sent  out  Don  Bartholomew  with  fifty  men  well  armed. 
He  was  first  to  use  "  good  words,"  but,  if  the  offenders 
proved  incorrigible,  he  was  to  be  ready  for  the  worst. 
He  and  his  men  took  their  stand  on  a  little  hill  about 
a  bow-shot  from  the  rebels,  and  sent  to  them  as  mes- 
sengers the  same  two  men  who  had  made  overtures  to 
them  before.  But  Porras,  whose  force  was  quite  as 
numerous  as  that  of  the  adelantado,  was  in  no  mood 
for  a  peaceful  conference.  The  rebels  were  all  able 
seamen,  well  hardened  by  their  outdoor  strolling, 
while  those  with  Don  Bartholomew  were  weak  through 
sickness  and  confiuement  on  the  wreck — indeed,  were 
only  gentlemen  and  pale-faced  civilians — and  would 
not  dare  to  fight. 

Deluded  by  these  words,  the  rebels  refused  to  listen 


to  an 
of  sw 
stron 
in  tl 
the  J 
well 
six  o 
beinj 
who 


comi 
extr: 
furtl 
pun; 
ther 
sim] 
to  a 


proi 
fata 
thei 
mei 


TINEERS. 

tnbus's  offers, 
t  came  out  to 
the  Admiral 
tn  ship  just 
twilight,  con- 
is  was  known 

caravel,  why 
1  the  wrecks  ? 
ly  did  not  the 
c  on  its  home- 
y  put,  had  the 
a  remain  in 
3  to  the  ships, 

capture    the 

out  a  mile  of 

of  them,  and 
n  well  armed. 

the  offenders 
or  the  worst, 
ttle  hill  about 
I  them  as  mes- 
le  overtures  to 

was  quite  as 
IS  in  no  mood 

were  all  able 
.oor  strolling, 
weak  through 
—indeed,  were 
s — and  would 

fused  to  listen 


THE  SKIRMISH. 


543 


to  any  overtures  for  peace,  but  presenting  a  solid  rank 
of  swords  and  lances,  cried,  "  Kill !  kill  1 "     Six  of  their 
strongest  men  resolved,  under  oath,  to  stand  together 
in  the  attack  till  they  had  slain  the  adelantado.     Of 
the  rest  they  made  no  account.     "  But  they  were  so 
well  received,"  says  Fernando  Columbus,  "  that  five  or 
six  of  them  dropped  at  the  first  charge,  most  of  them 
being  of  those  of  them  that  aimed  at  the  lieutenant, 
who  fell  upon  his  enemies  in  such  manner  that,  in  a 
very   short  time,  Juan  Sanchez,  from   whom   Quibian 
made  his  escape,  was  killed,  as  was  Juan  Barber,  the 
first  I  saw  draw  his  sword  when  they  ran  into  rebellion, 
and  some  others  fell  very  much  wounded,  and  Francisco 
de  Porras,  their   captain,  was  taken.      Seeing  them- 
selves so  roughly  handled,  like  base,  rebellious  people, 
they  turned  their  backs  and  fled  as  fast  as  they  could." 
The  adelantado,  whose  hand  had  been  wounded  by 
the    sword    which    Francisco   de   Porras    had    thrust 
through   his  buckler,  and  who,  with   the   aid   of  his 
comrades,  had  captured  the  rebel  leader  before  he  could 
extricate   himself,   wished   to   pursue   the  rebels   still 
further;   but  his    men    dissuaded   him,   spying  that 
punishment  must  not  be   carried  too   far.      Besides, 
there   was   a  body   of  the  natives  in  arms  near  by, 
simply  looking  on,  indeed,  but  they  might  be  tempted 
to  attack  if  they  saw  the  Spaniards  scattering  in  the 
pursuit  of  their  own  men. 

The  skirmish  over,  the  Indians,  led  by  curiosity, 
prowled  around  to  examine  the  wounds  which  the 
fatal  weapons  of  the  white  men  had  made  in  those  of 
their  own  flesh,  with  some  such  feelings,  probably,  as 
men  might  look  on  a  battle-field  of  the  gods.     "  Peter 


^'^■i'~'!\«.*g^^";fa.^i''"'i*^^'^*^"'^-t^"-^^-^''*-' 


544 


LEDESMA'S  WOUNDS. 


de   Ledesma,   that   pilot  we   mentioned   above,"    says 
Fernando  Colu.nbus,  "  who  went  with  Vincent  Yanez 
to   Honduras,  and   swam   ashore   at   Belen,  fell   down 
certain  rocks,  and  lay  hid  that  day  and  the  next  till 
the  evening,  nobody  assisting  him  or  knowing  where 
he  was  except  the  Indians,  who  with  amazement,  rot 
knowing  how  our  swords  would  cut,  with  little  sticks 
opened   his   woundt;,  one  of  which  was  in  his  head, 
and   his   brains   were  seen  through  it ;  another  in  his 
shoulder,  so  large  that  his  arm  hung  as  it  were  loose  ; 
and  the  calf  of  one  leg  almost  cut  off,  so  that  it  hung 
down  to  his  ankle  ;   and  one  foot,  as  if  it  had  a  slipper 
on  it,  being  sliced  from  the  heel  to  the  toes.     Notwith- 
standing all  which  desperate  hurts,  when  the  Indians 
disturbed  him  he  would  say,  '  Let  me  alone,  for  if  I  get 
up,'  etc.,'  and  they,  at  these  words,  would  fly  in  great 
consternation.     This  being  known   aboard  the   ships, 
he  was  carried  into  a  thatched  house  hard  by,  where 
the   dampness   and  gnats  were  enough  to  have  killed 
him.  .  Here,  instead  of  turpentine,  they   dressed  his 
wounds   with    oil,  and  he   had  so  many  besides  those, 
already  mentioned  that  the  surgeon  who  dressed  them 
swore  that  for  the  first  eight  days  he  still  found  out 
new  ones,  and  yet  at  last  he  recovered,  the  gentleman 
of  the  chamber  dying,  in   whom  he  apprehended  no 
danger.^     The  next   day,  being  the  20th  of  May,  all 
those  that  had  escaped  sent  a  petition  to  the  Admiral 
humbly  begging  he  would  be  merciful  to  them,  for 
they  repented  them  of  what  was  past,  and  were  ready 
to  submit  themselves  to  him.     The  Admiral  granted 

1  It  is  said  tliat  his  voice  was  particularly  deep  and  impressive. 
«  This  man  had  only  been  wounded  slightly  in  the  hip. 


above,"  says 
/iiicent  Yanez 
en,  fell  down 
d  the  next  till 
nowing  where 
luazement,  rot 
th  little  sticks 

in  his  head, 
another  in  his 
it  were  loose ; 
10  that  it  hung 
t  had  a  slipper 
<5es.  Notwith- 
en  the  Indians 
me,  for  if  I  get 
lid  fly  in  great 
ard  the  ships, 
liard  by,  where 

to  have  killed 
:y  dressed  his 
J  besides  those, 

0  dressed  them 
still  found  out 
the  gentleman 
pprehended  no 
th  of  May,  all 
to  the  Admiral 

1  to  them,  for 
and  were  ready 
dmiral  granted 

id  impressive.  ' 
he  hip. 


INDIGNA TION  AT  O VANDO. 


545 


their  request,  and  passed  a  general  pardon  upon  condi- 
tion the  captain  should  continue  a  prisoner  as  he  was, 
that  he  might  not  raise  another  mutiny."^ 

After  a  year  of  weary  waiting,  the  inmates  of  the 
ships  stranded  on  this  island  of  srvages  were  overjoyed 
at  the  sight  of  two  vessels  making  for  the  harbor.  One 
of  them  had  been  hired  and  fitted  out  by  the  ever- 
faithful  Mendez.  Stimulated  by  this  example,  the 
other  had  been  sen  by  Ovando,in  command  of  the  Ad- 
miral's agent  at  c  an  Domingo. 

According  to  Lcs  Casas,  the  flagrant  delay  of  Ovando 
to  send  relief  to  Columbus  in  his  sufi"erings  had 
awakened  such  universal  indignation  that  even  the 
pulpits  gave  their  voice  against  it.  The  governor  was 
therefore  pressed  into  the  sending  relief  in  this  eleventh 
hour  in  order  to  escape  the  universal  condemnation. 
The  common  sympathy  of  mankind  must  ever  be  with 
the  sufi"ering.  In  the  case  of  Columbus,  notwithstand- 
ing all  the  efibrts  to  rob  him  of  the  proper  acknowl- 
edgment of  his  merits,  it  could  not  fail  to  be  seen 
how  poorly  the  treatment  he  received  compared  with 
his  incalculable  services. 

When  Columbus  and  his  crews  left  the  miserable 
wrecks,  on  the  28th  of  June,  1504,  their  joy  might  be 
more  readily  imagined  than  expressed.  On  the  whole, 
the  impressions  which  had  been  made  upon  the  gener- 
ous-hearted natives  must  have  been  favorable,  for 
Oviedo  says  they  wept  when  the  Spaniards  left. 

Since  Mendez  and  Fiesco  had  reached  Hispaniola  in 
their  canoes  in  four  days,  we  might  fancy  a  mere  sail 
of  a  week  at  most  for  these  ships  bearing  back  the  Ad- 

»  Fernando  Columbus,  chapter  cvii. 


■■*-j*j^i»s«a(SWiW#a*%K«--»'"»«;fe*i--ft--J'Wi-!*j*- 


546 


COLUMBUS  AND  O  VAN  DO. 


miral  to  San  Domingo ;  but  such  was  the  opposition  of 
winds  and  currents  that  only  on  the  15th  of  August 
did  they  reach  that  harbor.      The  aged  shipwrecked 
mariner,  a  mere   suffering   wreck   of   humanity,   was 
hailed  with  a  universal  sense  of  kindly  favor.     Says 
Irving,   "What   had   been  denied   to   his   merits   was 
granted  to  his  misfortunes ;  and  even  the  envious,  ap- 
peased by  his  present  reverses,  seemed  to  forgive  him 
for  having  once  been  so  triumphant."     The  governor 
and  all  the  grandees  of  the  place   came  to  meet  him, 
and  he  was  treated  with  the  utmost  courtesy,  as  a  guest 
of  Ovando's  house.    But,  with  all  this  external  cordiality, 
it  was  felt  by  Columbus  and  his  friends  that  at  heart 
Ovando  was  cool  and  suspicious.     As  an  evidence  of 
this,  they  saw  Porras,  a  traitor-prisoner,  on  his  way  to 
Spain  for  trial,  now  set  free.     Indeed,  the  governor  even 
talked  of  punishing  those   who   had   taken  up   arms 
against  the  mutineers  in  the  Admiral's  defence.     Here 
at  once  arose  a  collision  between  the  two  of&cials,  as  to 
the  proper  jurisdiction  over  these  Jamaica  criminals. 
Ovando  finally  yielded  the  point  and  sent  them  to  Spain 

for  trial. 

There  was  nothing  here  in  Hispaniola  which  could 
yield  Columbus  any  particular  delectation.  The 
island  was  wholly  changed.  The  happy,  kind-hearted 
natives,  the  smoke  of  whose  camp-fires  had  once  en- 
livened the  forests,  and  whose  canoes  had  been  made  to 
glide  so  cheerfully  about  the  harbors,  had  been  utterly 
broken  in  spirit  and  almost  annihilated.  Where  was  the 
cheerful  service  and  the  Christian  civilization  he  had 
hoped  would  obtain  among  them  ? 

Just  here  it  will  be  pertinet^^  t^  glance  at  the  govern- 


OVANDO;S  COLONY. 


547 


>ppositiou  of 
I  of  August 
shipwrecked 
nanity,  was 
favor.     Says 

merits  was 
envious,  ap- 
forgive  him 
he  governor 
3  meet  him, 
3y,  as  a  guest 
lal  cordiality, 
hat  at  heart 

evidence  of 
n  his  way  to 
governor  even 
en  itp  arms 
fence.  Here 
a£&cials,  as  to 
ca  criminals, 
hem  to  Spain 

which  could 
ation.       The 

kind-hearted 
had  once  en- 
been  made  to 

been  utterly 
Vhere  was  the 
;ation  he  had 

at  the  govern- 


ment of  Ovando  in  respect  to  affairs  in  general  and  in 
respect  to  the  natives  in  particular.     It  will  be  remem- 
bered that  he  had  been  sent  out  to  repair  the  damaging 
effects  of  Columbus's  administration.     Let  us  see  how 
this  ruling  knight  of  Alcantara,  noted  for  his  wisdom 
and  his  high  moral  qualities,  compares  with  the  Admiral, 
so  universally  spoken  against.      With  the  change  of 
governors,  a  new  impulse  had  been  given  to  the  affairs 
of  the  Indies.     The  old  illusion  as  to  inexhaustible 
treasures  of  wealth  to  be  picked  up  in  the  new  country 
revived,  for  no  one  seemed  to  suspect  that  the  causes  of 
disaster  to  the  colony  were  to  be  found  in  the  nature  of 
things— in  the  fact  that  a  crowd  of  adventurers,  demor- 
alized soldiers,  and  prison-convicts,  expecting  to  appro- 
priate  the  civilized  wealth  of  the  Indies,  could   not 
thrive  in  a  wilderness,  among  savages— in  a  part  of  the 
world,  indeed,  which  no  one  even  suspected  to  exist. 
The  one  man  who  governed  was  supposed  to  be  the 
wheel  upon  ivhich  the  fortunes  of  all  who  emigrated 
would  turn.     The  appointment  of  Ovando  inspired  a 
new  confidence,  and  there  was  about  the  same  scramble 
of  adventurers  for  his  magnificent  fleet  of  thirty  sail 
as  there  had  been  when  Columbus  started  on  his  second 

voyage. 

Las  Casas,  an  eye-witness,  gives  a  vivid  description 
of  affairs  when  these  adventurers  arrived  in  the  new 
country.  Scarcely  had  they  stepped  ashore  when  the 
roads  to  the  gold-mines  were  thronged.  Even  the 
proud  hidalgo  was  carrying  his  bag  of  biscuit  and 
miner's  tools,  envying  the  lucky  fellow  who  could 
make  the  journey  on  horseback,  and  thereby  bring 
back  the  greatei  load  of  g©14     Each  one  &uove  to  be 


548 


THEIR  DISAPPOINTMENT. 


the  first  iu   tlic   mines  of  the  mouutaius,  where  they 
expected  to  gather  gold  like  fruit  from  the  trees.     How- 
great  was  their  surprise,  on  reaching  the  spot,  tc  find 
that  they  must  dig  laboriously,  and  that  it  required  an 
experienced  e3'e  to  detect  the  veins  of  gold,  which  must 
be    searched    out   with    the    utmost   perseverance    and 
patience ;  and  that,  after  the  most  exhaustive  efforts, 
they  not  infrequently  failed  to  find  the  precious  ore. 
And   while    many    thus    failed    utterly,    many    others 
accomplished  so  little  that  they  were  soon  obliged  to 
look    upon    their    efforts  as  exceedingly    unprofitable ; 
so    that,   in    a  short    time,  there    straggled   over    the 
highways  and  byways  a  lot  of  miserable,  disappointed 
wretches,  who   had    consumed   their   provisions,  worn 
themselves    out    with    useless    toil,    and    were    now 
returning  in  utmost  chagrin  and  disappointment  over 
the  tracks  made  outward  in  the  highest  anticipations 
of  hope.     San  Domingo  was  thronged  with  moneyless, 
hopeless,  forlorn  wretches,  ready  to  sink  into  the  most 
squalid  misery.     Some  there  were  who  were  compelled 
to  sell  even  the  clothes  from  their  backs  to  save  them- 
selves from  starvation ;  and  while  a  few  gained  employ- 
ment from  the  older   settlers,  such  was  the  generally 
reduced  condition    of   the    colony    that    the    greater 
number  could  find   no  occupation   whatever,  and,  be- 
coming the  suppliants  of  public  charity,  were  the  vic- 
tims  alike   of  hunger   and    shame.      This    union  of 
physical  want  and  mental  torture  in  an  uncultivated 
country  of  tropical  climate   soon  brought  on  burning 
fevers  and  wasting  consumptions,  and  in  an  incredibly 
short  time  over  one   thousand   inhabited    the   newly 
made  grave-yards  of  San  Domingo  and  vicinity. 


'taZtjfc-rweG^^sg'Sisrs&Si  i'i= -?^ 


OPPRESSION  OF  THE  NATIVES. 


549 


,  where  they 
trees.     How- 
spot,  to  find 
t  required  an 
,  which  must 
vcrance    and 
istive  efforts, 
precious  ore. 
iiauy    others 
on  obliged  to 
unprofitable ; 
ed   over    the 
disappointed 
/isions,  worn 
I    were    now 
(intment  over 
anticipations 
h  moneyless, 
ato  the  most 
re  compelled 
to  save  them- 
lined  employ- 
the  generally 
the    greater 
iver,  and,  be- 
were  the  vic- 
tiis    union  of 
I  uncultivated 
it  on  burning 
an  incredibly 
i    the   newly 
nnity. 


No  one  thought  of  attributing  this  fearful  mortality 
to  a  maladministration  on  the  part  of  Ovando,  as  they 
no  doubt  would  have  done  in  the  case  of  Columbus  ; 
on  the  other  hand,  his  treatment  of  the  Spaniards  was 
considered  wise  and  discreet.  The  same  cannot  be 
said,  however,  as  to  his  management  of  the  natives. 
To  them  he  was  simply  a  sure  and  swift  destruction. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  Columbus,  under  the 
severe  pressure  of  Ri^Ulan's  rebellion,  had  granted 
nparlhnientos  of  the  natixes  ;  that  is,  he  had  ordered 
the  caciques  to  furnish  certain  numbers  of  their  sub- 
jects as  laborers  for  the  different  Spaniards,  and  the 
service  thus  rendered  was  to  be  accepted  instead  of  the 
original  tax  in  gold-dust,  cotton,  etc.  Under  a  con- 
siderate and  humane  management,  the  system  might 
have  resulted  well,  teaching  the  natives  regular 
methods  of  industry,  and  bringing  them  in  contact 
with  civilization  and  Christianity.  Under  Bobadilla 
the  system  had  been  abused  to  the  utmost.  When  his  in- 
dulgence of  the  self-willed  and  depraved  Spaniards  had 
placed  them  in  a  state  of  riot  run  mad.,  and  therefore 
entirely  beyond  his  control,  the  chief  result  was  the  un- 
mitigated sufferings  of  the  helpless  natives.  Did  he 
teach  that  the  sovereigns  of  Spain  did  not  care  to  enrich 
themselves  by  meann  of  the  new  country,  and  so  sell 
the  lands  and  estates  of  the  crown  at  the  lowest  possible 
figure,  and  did  he  reserve  only  one.-eleventh  instead  of 
one-third  of  the  gold  for  the  crown  ?  With  ordinary 
working  of  the  mines  this  small  proportion  would  have 
fallen  to  a  mere  nothing,  and  the  natives  must,  there- 
fore, be  subjected  to  the  highest  possible  pressure  of 
labor  and  toil  in  order  to  swell  the  eleventh  of  the  gold 


550 


OPPRESSION  OF  THE  NA  Tl  VES. 


'^'^'^'^■'•ti^M  ' 


to  as  much  and  even  more  than  one-third  of  it  used  to 
be.    Moreover,  the  immense  tracts  of  land,  almost  jnveii 
away,  must  be  ameliorated,  cultivated,  and   rendered 
productive  of   sugar-cane,  cotton,  and  tropical    fruits 
In  order  to  carry  out  the  two  departments  of  labor  as 
thoroughly    as    possible,   two   Spaniards   would    unite 
their  interests,  one  superintending  the  working  of  the 
mines,  and  the  other  taking  charge  of  the  cultivation 
of    the    land.      Special   attention   was    given    to    the 
accumulation  of  gold.     "  Make  the  most  of  your  time," 
was    Bobadilla's  oft  reiterated  advice;    "there  is  no 
telling  how  long  it  will  last."      The  Spaniards  were 
only  too  ready  to  carry  out  his  advice  to  the  full,  and 
so  mercilessly   forced   the    Indians  to   their    utmost 
capacity  of  labor  that  c.ie  eleventh  part  of  the  gold 
yielded  a  greater  revenue  than  did  one-third  under 

Columbus. 

The  picture  of  the  scenes  which  followed  are  por- 
trayed in  a  startling  manner  by  that  most  humane 
and  faithful  eye-witness,  Las  Casas.      In  his  old  age, 
many    years    after    the    events    had    transpired,  he 
recalled    them  as  in  a  painful    reverie.      The    light 
vegetable    and    frugivorous    diet  of  the   natives  and 
their  easy,  pleasure-taking   style    of  life   from    time 
immemorial   had   fixed   a   characteristic   weakness   of 
constitution  which    positively   incapacitated   them  for 
the  hardships   of  slavery.      In  addition  to  the  failure 
of  strength  incident   to  excessive  labor  was  the  ener- 
vating   eflfects    of    the    most  atrocious  punishments, 
inflicted     for     the     slightest    offences.      Behold  that 
wretched    criminal   just    escaped    from    the  galleys  of 
Castile  or  from  the  bloody  hands  of  the  executioner 
by  the  special  grace  of  the  sovereigns  !     He  puts  on 


VBS. 

.  of  it  used  to 
,  almost  jnveii 
and  rendered 
ropical  fruits 
;s  of  labor  as 

would  unite 
orking  of  the 
;he  cultivation 
given  to  the 
of  your  time," 
"  there  is  no 
ipaniards  were 
o  the  full,  and 

their  utmost 
rt  of  the  gold 
le-third  under 

llow^ed  are  por- 
most  humane 
In  his  old  age, 
transpired,  he 
J.      The    light 
.e   natives  and 
ife   from    time 
:   weakness   of 
tated   them  for 
n  to  the  failure 
r  was  the  ener- 
j  punishments. 
Behold  that 
.    the  galleys  of 
;he  executioner 
5 !     He  puts  on 


orrREsswN  of  run  natives.        551 

;ill  the  airs  of  a  grand  cavalict,  is  attended  by   an 
immense    train  of  servants,  and  keeps  a  whole  harem 
of  young  girls.      Nor  is  he  satisfied  with  the  common 
Indian   girls,  but  seeks  out  women  of  birth  and   rank 
—sisters  and   daughters  of  chioftains,  who,  from  time 
out  of  mind,  had  been  regarded  with  the  most  sacred 
feelings  of  veneration.     Now,  trembling  and  in  tears, 
they  are   forced  to  minister  to  the  pa.ssions    of   the 
vik'st  felons,  who,  but    for   the   discover3    of  a   new 
world,  would   have    long     since     been     haiigii  k^    on 
gibbets.     Is  this  luxurious  Spaniard  about  to  travel  ? 
He  will  disdain  the  back  of  a  horse  or  a  mule,  and 
stretch  himself  out  daintily  on  a  hammock  or  litter, 
to  be  borne  gently  on  the  shoulders  of  the  Indians. 
Others,  following  along,  must  hold  the  leaves  of  some 
gigantic  palm  over  his  head  to  shield  from  the  sun 
a  face  bronzed  not  many   years  since  in  the  expo:  ure 
of  the  galleys;    others,  still,  wave  before  that  face  a 
grerit  feather  fan  to  ward  off  the  inconvenience  of  a 
burning  atmosphere.     Las  Casas  could  recall  the  sore 
and  bleeding  shoulders  of  the  Indians  who  bad  thus 
carried  their  tyrannical  masters  through  long  journeys. 
When    one    of   these    newly    made    specimens    of 
gentility  reaches  an  Indian  village,  he  seizes  the  stores 
of  provisions  in  the  most  wasteful  and  wanton  manner, 
and  having  been  well  feasted,  orders  the  cacique  and 
his  subjects  to  dance  and  sing,  for  his    amusement. 
If   he    speaks    to    them,  it  is  in  the  most  haughty 
language,  and  the  slightest  sign  of  resentment  or  the 
least    offence  whatever  brings  down  the  lash  or  the 
cudgel,  possibly  even  to  the  death  of  the  offender.     If 
any  of  the  better  class  of  Spaniards  took  exception  to 


m 


m 


'^f-'^^f.-MUS^^^i^'^f-  '^'^i'^--^-^-'^------ 


553 


THE  NATIVES  MADE  FKFE. 


sk\q\\  vile  despotism,  they  might  appeal  in  vain  to  the 
fiir  more  numerous  class  of  bad  people  recently  liberated 
from  their  penal  life  in  Spain,  or,  sending  distressing 
accounts  to  Spain  on  the  other  side  of  the  globe,  wait 
for  a  possible  but  slow  and  imperfect  redress. 

The  fabulous  quantities  of  gold  amass»:d  b;'  Boba- 
dilla  did  not  close  the  eyes  of  the  Spanish  sovereigns 
to  vhe  atrocity  of  his  method;,  and  when  it  was  re- 
solve*.! thai  Ovando  should  succeed  him  every  precau- 
tion was  takt-u  to  remedy  the  evi  Is  brought  about  by  his 
administration.  Many  and  salutary  in  themselves  were 
the  new  regulations  made  by  the  sovereip^ns.  Among 
others,  it  was  resolved  that  the  natives,  v.  ho  had  suflFered 
so  severely  under  the  oppressions  of  Bo:;  idilla,  should 
be  free.  But  under  th:"s  new  regime  they  refused  to 
labor  in  the  i nines. 

Ovando  at  once  reported  to  the  sovereigns  the  evils 
of  this  state  of  things,  saying  that  tribute  could  not  be 
collected,  nor  vice  repressed,  nor  any  regular  industry 
be  secured  among  the  lazy  and  improvident  Indians, 
unless  they  were  compelled  to  work ;  nor  could  they 
be  brought  under  the  influence  of  Christianity  while  in 
a  state  of  freedom,  for  they  then  kept  entirely  aloof 
from  the  Spaniards.  On  the  strength  of  these  sugges- 
tions new  regulations  were  made.  The  sovereigns 
wrote  to  Ovando,  saying  that  he  should  exact  moderate 
labor  from  the  natives  ;  but  authority  must  be  enforced 
in  the  most  kindly  manner,  the  laborers  must  be  paid 
regularly  and  fairly,  and  must  be  instructed  in  religion 
on  certain  days  of  the  week. 

This  was  enough.     Ovando  made  the  uttermost  of 
these  instructions  in  distributing  the  Indians  as  laborers 


Mft^l'*-  ■^--.*-,'vi»!lrs 


^t.3U4M-s;i»^^=-«4?*(^'--r»J*  *i«*i<«»t%S«wi«M.A.iS»ftr*?-- 


^  R, 


in  vain  to  the 
;ntly  liberated 
ng  distressini; 
lie  globe,  wait  I 
ress. 

fs<;d  by  Boba-  | 
ish  sovereigns 
dicn  it  was  re- 
every  precau- 
lit  about  by  his 
lemselves  were 
,c^ns.  Amonj; 
Uo  had  suffered 
Ladilla,  should 
ley  refused  to 

eigns  the  evils 
te  could  not  be 
gular  industry 
ident  Indians, 
lor  could  they 
;ianitj'^  while  in 
entirely  aloof 
if  these  sugges- 
*he  sovereigns 
exact  moderate 
ust  be  enforced 
i  must  be  paid 
Lcted  in  religion 


le  uttermost  of 
ians  as  laborers 


i,j«tis«wi«»*-^ij»!rf»'^»*^« 


'W^T^^s^:^^^ 


^mTffrfj;y<^^^'-^9^S  ""^"^'^ — ^  '"T  "^^  ' 


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IMAGE  EVALUATION 
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Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


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23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14S80 

(716)I73-4S03 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


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\' 


THE  NATIVES  AGAIN  ENSLAVED.        553 

among  the  Spaniards.     Requisitions  were  made  on  the 
different  caciques   for  regular  appointments  of  their 
subjects  to  each  Castilian,  according  to  his  supposed 
needs.     These  laborers  were  to  be  paid,  and  instructed 
in  the  Catholic  faith ;  but  the  pay  was  a  mere  apology 
for  wages,  and  the  instruction  was  limited  in   most 
cases  to  a  few  drops  of  water  administered  in  baptism. 
The  term  of  labor  was  at  first  limited  to  six  months, 
but  was  soon  increased  to  eight  months,  and  before 
long  the  whole  system  became  more  intolerably  cruel 
than  were  the  worst  days  of  the  former  administration. 
Often  set  to  work  at  a  distance  of  several  days' journey 
from  their  families,  and  confined  to  the  unsubstantial 
cassava-bread,  with  a  mere  scrap  of  pork  occasionally 
to  each,  they  were  forced,  under  the  lash,  to  the  utmost 
capacity  of  their  ability  to  toil.     See  those  Spaniards 
who  superintend  the  mines  taking  their  dinner  !     The 
famished  Indians  scramble  under  the  table  like  dogs 
for  any  bone  that   may  be  dropped.     See  how  they 
.t,niavv  and  suck  it,  and  then  pounding  it  between  stones, 
mix  it  with  their  cassava-bread !     But  the  miners  are 
more  fortunate  than  those  toiling  in  the  fields,  for  they 
never  taste  "  flesh  or  fish,"  but  are  obliged  to  keep  up 
on  a  little  cassava-bread  and  a  few  roots.     And  these 
poorly-fed  Indians,  all  unused  to  work,  were  compelled 
lo  a  degree  of  exertion  sufficient  to  break  down  the 
strongest  well-fed  man.     Do  any  of  these  poor  mortals, 
fainting  under  a  scorching  sun,  flee  from  this  exces- 
sive toil  and  these  severe  lashes,  and  seek  refuge  in  the 
mountains  ?     They  are  hunted  with  bloodhounds  like 
wild  beasts,  are  scourged  like  slaves  of  the  barbarous 
;  ages,  and  loaded  down  with  chains  to  prevent  a  second 


i 


554 


HUNGER!    HUNGER! 


escape.     Many  dropped  and  died  in  the  fields  and  in 
the  mines.     Others,  who  survived  their  six  or  eight 
months  of  labor,  were  so  far  from  their  homes — forty, 
sixty,  or  eighty  leagues — with  only  a  little  cassava- 
bread,  a  few  roots,  or  a  few  agi  peppers  to  support  life 
by  the  way,  that  their  frail  constitutions  gave  out,  and 
they  sank  down  and  died.     "  I  have  found  many  dead 
in  the  road,"  says  the  good  Las  Casas ;  "  others  were 
gasping  under  the  trees,  and  others   in  the  pangs  of 
death  faintly  cried,  '  Hunger !  hunger !'  "  Did  any  reach 
their  homes  ?  In  most  cases,  during  the  long  and  weary 
months,  the  wives  and  children  had  wandered  away  or 
perished.     The  little  hovel  or  wigwam  called  home, 
with  its  rude  garden  possibly,  was  overgrown  with 
weeds,  and  the  poor  exhausted  wretch  crept  up  to  his 
door,  only  to  lie  down  and  die  in  despair.     Under  these 
intolerable  hardships  the  weakly  race  was  fast  passing 
away.     In  the  wild  delirium  of  despair  many  committed 
suicide;   mothers  destroyed   their  infants,  that  they 
might  thus  be  spared  a  life  so  intolerably  wretched. 
Though  scarcely  twelve  years  had  passed  since  the 
discovery  of  Hispaniola,  hundreds  of  thousands  of  the 
once  happy  natives  had  perished  under  the  relentless 
hand  of  the   licentious,  avaricious  white  man.     The 
shameful  massacre  at   Xaragua  and  the   sad   fate  of 
Anacaona  under  the  direction  of  Ovando  are  related 
elsewhere.     The  war  with  Higuay  and  the  ruthless  de- 
struction of  the  natives  we  must  pass  over  with  a  mere 
mention. 

There  were  originally  five  Indian  sovereignties  in 
Hispaniola.  Four  of  these  had  already  been  subdued, 
and  their  caciques  had  come  to  a  miserable  end.     The 


dow 


I 


"•4 


fields  and  in 
six  or  eight 
ionics — forty, 
ittle  cassava- 
)  support  life 
gave  out,  and 
id  many  dead 
"  others  were 
the  pangs  of 
Did  any  reach 
ng  and  weary 
lered  away  or 
called  home, 
irgrown   with 
ept  up  to  his 
Under  these 
s  fast  passing 
ny  committed 
its,  that  they 
bly  wretched, 
sed  since  the 
lusands  of  the 
:he  relentless 
;e  man.     The 
;   sad   fate  of 
do  are  related 
le  ruthless  de- 
er with  a  mere 

vereignties  in 
been  subdued, 
3le  end.     The 


OC/TJ^A  GE  A  GAINST  A  CA  CI^ UE.  555 

downfall   of  the  fifth   invited   the  relentless  hand  of 
Ovando.     The  people  of  this  kingdom  of  Higuay ,  which 
comprised  the  east  end  of  the   island,  were   in   closer 
proximky  to  the  Caribs  than  were  the  other Icingdoms 
on  the  island,  and  had,  consequently,  been  trained  into 
a  more  warlike  temper  and  habit.      Their  chieftain, 
Cotabanama,  was  a  notable  giant,  measuring  a  yard 
from  shoulder  to  shoulder,  and  being  otherwise  m  good 
proportion.     The  natives  of  Higuay  came  into  collision 
with  the  Spaniards  as  follows :     Some  Spaniards  had 
wantonly  set  a  dog  on  a  cacique,  who  was  thus  shame- 
fully mangled,  and  died  in  consequence  soon  after. 
Again  and  again  the  Higuayans  had  sought  redress, 
but  to  no  purpose.     By  and  by  they  surprised  a  shallop 
carrying  eight  Spaniards  near  the  island  Saona,  and 
slaughtered  the  crew  as  a  retaliation.     Now  there  was 
an  uprising  of  the  whole  kingdom,  and  Ovando  sent  out 
Juan  de  Esquibel  with  four  hundred  men  to  quell  the 
insurrection  and  administer  suitable  punishment  for 

the  massacre. 

Cotabanama,  having  assembled  his  warriors,  was 
ready  for  a  stout  resistance.  Never  did  savages  show 
a  braver  or  more  determined  spirit.  From  time  imme- 
morial they  had  contended  successfully  against  the 
cruel  Caribs,  and  they  would  now  test  their  arms  and 
their  valor  to  the  utmost  in  resisting  the  encroachments 
of  the  detested  white  men.  As  .the  Spanish  warriors 
ascended  the  beautiful  and  cultivated  plateaus  of  this 
mountain  region  they  were  contested  every  step  of  the 
way  in  the  most  spirited  manner;  but  the  Spanish 
implements  of  war  and  their  discipline  in  tactics  proved, 
as  usual,  too  much  for  naked  savages.     The  Higuayan 


'A 


i 


556 


EXTREME  CRUELTY. 


forces  were  soon  scattered,  and  sought  refuge  in  the 
recesses  of  mountain  rocks  and  in  the  thick  forests. 
Women  and  children  and  the  aged  and  infirm  wer- 
hidden  away  in  the  darkest  caves  and  deepest  recesses 
of  the  mountains.  When  the  Spaniards  came  upon 
them  they  slaughtered  them  in  the  most  indiscriminate 
and  cruel  manner.  The  island  of  Saona  was  treated 
with  special  revenge.  vSonie  six  or  seven  hundred 
natives,  seeking  refuge  in  one  large  enclosure,  were  all 
put  to  the  sword  without  mercy.  The  few  who  escaped 
were  made  slaves,  and  the  island  was  a  desolation. 

As  no  extent  of  bravery  could  enable  these  naked 
Indians  to  hold  their  own  against  the  steel-clad  war- 
riors of  Spain,  they  sued  for  peace,  and  were  promised 
protection  if  they  would  cultivate  a  large  tract  of  their 
beautiful  table-lands  in  the  mountains,  and  thus  produce 
every  year  an  immense  quantity  of  bread.  Cotabanama, 
the  giant  cacique,  was  so  magnanimous  in  forgiving 
and  forgetting  the  cruel  wrongs  suffered  by  him  and 
his  people  that  he  joined  in  the  most  sacred  friendship 
with  Esquibel,  even  to  the  exchange  of  names  with 
him  as  a  symbol  of  a  perpetual  heart-union. 

But  the  peace  did  not  last  long.  About  the  time 
when  Columbus  was  leaving  the  wreck  at  Jamaica  a 
nev/  revolt  broke  out '  among  the  Higuayans.  The 
Spaniards  had  exceeded  the  bounds  of  their  treaty  in 
requiring  the  Indians  not  only  to  raise  the  grain  stipu- 
lated, but  to  carry  it  on  their  backs  to  San  Domingo. 
Then,  too,  after  their  usual  manner,  the  Spaniards  had 
outraged  the  sisters,  daughters,  and  even  the  wives  of 
the  natives.  There  was  a  general  rebellion.  The 
Higuayans  burnt  a  large  wooden  fortress  built  by  the 
Spaniards,  and  put  many  of  them  to  death. 


BRA  VERT  OF  THE  NATIVES. 


557 


;fuge  in   the 
hick  forests. 

infirm  werr* 
pest  recesses 
I  came  upon 
idiscriminate 
L  was  treated 
ven  hundred 
sure,  were  all 
'  who  escaped 
isolation. 

these  naked 
teel-clad  war- 
^ere  promised 

tract  of  their 
.  thus  produce 
Cotabanama, 

in  forgiving 
I  by  him  and 
red  friendship 
names  with 
on. 
bout  the  time 

at  Jamaica  a 
layans.  The 
heir  treaty  in 
le  grain  stipu- 
5an  Domingo. 
Spaniards  had 
n  the  wives  of 
lellion.  The 
5  built  by  the 
th. 


Ovando  gave  orders  to  carry  fire  and  sword  into 
Higuay.  The  romantic  heroism  of  the  former  war  was 
re-enacted,  and  many  were  the  incidents  of  the  most 
impressive  bravery.  It  is  said  that  some  of  the 
wounded,  into  whose  flesh  the  swift  arrows  from  the 
cross-bows  had  sunk  to  the  feather,  drew  them  out, 
broke  them  with  their  teeth,  and,  hurling  them  at  the 
vSpaniard.'j  in  helpless  fury,  fell  dead  in  their  tracks. 

When  any  of  the  Indians  were  found  they  were 
subjected  to  the  most  excruciating  tortures  in  order  to 
force  them  into  a  betrayal  of  their  concealed  country- 
men.    When  they  found  aged  men,  women,  and  help- 
less children  hid  away  among  the  rocks  and  caves  of 
the  mountains  they  ran  their  swords  through  them, 
and  hacked  them  in  pieces  in  the  most  atrocious  man- 
ner.     One   fearful   battle   ensued,   lasting   from   two 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon  till  night-fall,  in  which  the 
poor  naked  Indians  fought  in  defence  of  their  country 
and   their   homeS   with  extreme  energy  to   the   last. 
When  their  weak  bows  and  slender  arrows  failed  them 
they  hurled  showers  of  stones  from  their  rocky  heights, 
and  were  only  the  more  infuriated  at  seeing  the  blood 
and  the  mangled  corpses  of  their  countrymen.     They 
were   completely   routed,  however,  by  the  keen-edged 
steel  and  the  gunpowder  of  the  Spaniards.     The  next 
morning  they  were  nowhere  to  be  seen.     The  Span- 
iards, now  breaking  up  into  small  parties,  went  in  every 
direction,  hunting   them    as    if    they    had  been   wild 
beasts.      They  sought  especially  after  the  caciques, 
particularly  Cotabanama.     The  Indians  kept  up  their 
retreat  with   great  caution,   a   whole  line  of  twenty 
or  more  treading  in  the  same  tracks,  leaving  a  footprint 


.mummiummaav^^ii*" 


558 


THE  Hi  SVFFE  li  ING  S. 


like  that  of  a  single  man,  and  scarcely  displacing  a 
branch  or  leaf  of  the  forest. 

Hut  the  vSpaniards  had  become  exceedingly  sharp  in 
trailing  out  their  victims.     The  displacing  of  a  few 
withered  leaves  would  give  them  the  clew,  even  amidst 
the  confusing  tracks  of  animals.     With  the  keen  nose 
of  a  hound,  they  could  scent  from  afar  the  smoke  ot 
Indian  fires.     Not  only  did  they  continue  to  torture  the 
straying  victims  of  their  search,  and  massacre  ^«  niassf 
the  multitudes  of  the  helpless  taking  refuge  secretly 
in  the  mountains,  but  to  inspire  the  most  overwhelming 
terror  they  would  cut  ofif  the  hands  of  such  as  they 
found  roaming  at  large,  and  send  them  as  a  warning, 
to  intimidate  their  friends  into  a  surrender.     '  Num- 
berless were  those,"  says  Las  Casas,  "  whose  hands 
were  cut  ofif  in  this  manner,  and  many  of  them  fainted 
and  died  by  the  way,  from  pain  and  loss  of  blood. 
The  cruel,  persecuting  white  men  became  ingenious  m 
the  invention  of  new  and  unheard-of  cruelties.      Be- 
hold that  row  of  miserable  victims  on  a  long  line  of 
gibbets,  so  low  down  that  the  feet  of   the  sufferers 
dangle  on  the  ground,  in  order  that  death  might  be 
as  lingering  as  possible  1    There  is  even  a  blasphemous 
play  upon  a  sacred  number  in  history,  and  thirteen  are 
hung  together,  in  honor  of  Christ  and  his  twelve  apostles 
Not  content  with  seeingtheir  tortured  victims  struggle 
in  the  air,  the  soldiers  test  the  strength  and  execution 
of  their  swords  by  hacking  and  hewing  them  in  pieces. 
Some  they  wrap  in  dry  straw,  which  they  set  on  fire, 
terminating  life  in   the   most  intense   agony.      The 
caciques  were  broiled  to  death  on  gridirons  over  slow 
fires,  and  when  their  groans  and  cries  annoyed  the 


1 


COTABANAMA. 


559 


•  displacing  a 

ugly  sharp  iu 
ciiig  of  a  few 
V,  even  amidst 
the  keen  nose 
the  smoke  of 
;  to  torture  the 
isacre  en  masse 
efuge  secretly 
overwhelming 
such  as  they 
as  a  warning, 
nder.     "  Num- 
"  whose  hands 
3f  them  fainted 
loss  of  blood." 
le  ingenious  in 
cruelties.      Be- 
a  long  line  of 
f   the  sufferers 
leath  might  be 
L  a  blasphemous 
ind  thirteen  are 
twelve  apostle:^ 
/ictims  struggle 
1  and  execution 
them  in  pieces. 
;hey  set  on  fire, 
;   agony.      The 
[irons  over  slow 
es  annoyed  the 


vSpanish  off.cers  their  mouths  were  crammed  with  chips 
iu  order  to  gag  them.  "  All  these  things,  and  others 
revolting  to  human  nature,  my  own  eyes  beheld,"  says 
Las  Casas,  who  in  old  age  recalled  these  shocking 
scenes  of  his  youth,  saying,  "  and  now  I  almost  fear  to 
repeat  them,  scarcely  believing  my  own  recollections, 
and  wondering  if  I  have  not  dreamt  them." 

But  the  capture  of  Cotabanama  was  the  great  desid- 
eratum with  Esquibel.  Without  it,  Higuay  would 
never  completely  surrender.  The  chieftain,  with  his 
wife  and  children,  had  taken  refuge  in  a  cave  in  the 
midst  of  a  labyrinth  of  rocky  forest,  in  the  centre  of 
the  island  Saona.  Esquibel,  with  .some  fifty  men,  em- 
barked in  a  caravel  at  night,  and,  sailing  along  the 
shadowy  side  of  the  island,  landed  his  men  on  an  ob- 
scure part  of  the  coast  at  the  dawn  of  day,  before  Co- 
tabanama's  spies  had  taken  their  stations.  Presently 
two  of  these  spies  were  brought  to  Esquibel,  who  soon 
drewl^o^^t  of  them  the  fact  that  the  chief  was  in  the 
island.  He  thrust  a  poniard  through  one  of  these  un- 
fortunates in  order  to  inspire  terror  in  the  other,  whom 
he  bound  and  compelled  to  act  as  a  guide. 

Evidently  the  cacique  was  not  far  away,  so  every 
Spaniard  was  on  the  alert  to  be  his  captor.  They  soon 
discovered  a  point  at  which  the  main  path  forked.  Only 
Juan  Lopez  took  the  path  to  the  left.  With  a  bravery 
and  an  intuition  on  the  track  of- the  savage  peculiar  to 
himself,  he  threaded  his  way  around  hills  so  dense 
with  thicket  and  forest  that  he  could  scarce  see  half 
a  bow-shot  ahead.  Entering  a  gorge  among  the  rocks, 
where  the  excess  of  vegetation  and  the  deep  cut  in  the 
mountain  almost  shut  out  the  light,  he  found  himself 


3 


/ 


56o 


TIIF.    V,IA\T  IS  CAPTURE n. 


lace  to  face  with  some  dozen  Indian  warriors,  in  single 
file.     How  easily  they  might  have  pierced  this  solitary 
enemy   with   their  arrows ;  bnt  they  were  petrified  with 
surprise,  having  depended  on  their  spies  to  guard  the 
island,  and  now  all  suddenly  suspecting  a  host  of  white 
men  to  be  just  at  hand.     Lopez  understood  human 
nature,  and  followed  up  this  first  surprise  by  boldly 
advancing  and  calling  for  Cotabanama.     Tremblingly 
they  replied  that  he  was  just  behind  them,  and  let  him 
pass  on  to  the  rear.     The  giant  cacique  grasped  his 
bow ;  but  before  he  could  draw  the  string  Lopez  had 
struck  him  with  his  sword,  and  the  Indians  about  him 
had  fled  in  a  panic.     Terrified  at  the  blood  gushing 
from  his   wound,  Cotabanama  cried  out,  "  I  am  Juau 
de  Esquibel,"    thinking  his  former  change  of  names 
might   be   a   guarantee   of  safety.      Instantly    Lopez 
seized  him  by  the  long  hair  of  his  head  with  his  left 
hand,  and  with  his  right  hand  was  about  to  plunge  his 
sword  into  his  body,  but  the  cacique  warded  off  the 
thrust  with  his  huge  arm,  and  clinching  the  Spaniard, 
huried  him  to  the  ground.      The  struggle  was  long 
and  fierce  between  these  two  powerful  athletes;  and 
the  bleeding   cacique,  being  on  top  of  his  adversary, 
was  not  only  likely  to  crush  him  with  his  great  weight, 
but  was  just  grasping  him  by  the  throat  to  strangle 
him,  when   the   Spaniards  on   the   other  path,  being 
attracted  by  the  noise,  came  to  the  rescue  of  Lopez. 
The  poor  cacique,  giant  though  he  was,  could  avail 
nothing  against  so  many.      In  the  large  cavern  near 
by,  from  which  the  cacique's  wife  and  children  had 
already   fled,  they   found  a  huge   chain  which  some 
Indian  prisoners,  once  bound  with  it,  had  carried  away. 


IK 

iors,  ill  single 
d  this  solitary 

petrified  with 
s  to  guard  the 
I  host  of  white 
rstood  huniati 
rise  by  boldly 

Treinbliugly 
111,  and  let  him 
le  grasped  his 
ing  Lopez  had 
aiis  about  him 
blood  gushing 
,  "  I  am  Juau 
Liige  of  names 
stantly  Lopez 
id  with  his  left 

to  plunge  his 
warded  off  the 
I  the  Spaniard, 
ggle  was  long 

athletes;  and 

his  adversary, 
is  great  weight, 
roat  to  strangle 
ler  path,  being 
scue  of  Lopez, 
as,  could  avail 
rge  cavern  near 
i  children  had 
n  which  some 
id  carried  away. 


HIS  CIWEI.  FATE. 


561 


With  this  they  secured  the  cacique's  immense  hands, 
;vnd  led  him,  all  bleeding,  to  a  village  near  by.     In  the 
village  square  the  Spaniards  arranged  trunks  of  trees 
like  a  huge  gridiron,  on  which  they  proposed  to  broil 
the  giant ;  but  on  a  second  thought  they  concluded  to 
make  a  greater  exhibition  of  their  trophy,  and  so  sent 
him  on  board  a  caravel,  in   chains,  to  San   Domingo. 
Here  he  was  a  curiosity,  and  as  he  was  paraded  along 
the    streets   the    crowds    thronged   him    from    every 
direction,  gazing  on  this  huge  blood-stained  image  of 
despair,  already  become  the  mere  shadow  of  himself. 
In  these  more  humane  days,  so  grand  a  specimen  of 
the   human  race,  guilty  of  no  greater  crime  than  an 
heroic   defence   of    his   outraged   country,   would    be 
entitled  to  some  kindly,  or  even  magnanimous,  treat- 
ment; but  Ovando  simply  adjudged  him  to  the  fate  of 
the  vilest  criminal,  and  hanged  him  ignominiously  on 

the  public  square.  ,  .  r    . 

Thus  ended  the  struggle  of  the  last  native  chieftain 
against  the  cruel  encroachments  of  the  white  man. 
The  mere  remnant— perhaps  one-sixth— of  the  once 
numerous  and  happy  population  of  the  island  now 
succumbed  to  the  hardships  and  sufferings  incident  to 
the  conquests  of  the  steel-clad  foreigners,  and,  broken 
alike  in  spirit  and  in  that  physical  endurance  which  is 
born  of  hope,  they  gradually  disappeared. 

Such  was  the  unhappy  Hayti  to  which  Columbus 
returned  near  the  middle  of  August,  1504,  from  his 
long  and  trying  confinement  on  the  Jamaica  wrecks. 
Ovando  received  him  with  formal  politeness  and  an 
affected  cordiality  ;  but  his  inclination  to  let  the  Porras 
rebels  go  free,  and  to  dispute  the  jurisdiction  of  the 


■5aS^m^^,«$,*(^S^^a3*iPA5jSfe«f?*l****-i**:' 


563 


COLUMBUS'S  FINANCES. 


Admiral  over  his  men  even  in  his  tryinp  situation  on 
the  hmely  ishuid  of  Jamaica,  soon  caused  the  latter  to 
feel  ill  at  home,  and  induced  a  return  to  Spain  as  soon 
possible. 

Notwithstanding;  the  efforts  of  the  ever-faithful  Car- 
vajal    as  agent,  the  financial  resources  of  Columbus 
were  sadly  demoralized  at  San   Domingo.      For  this 
Ovando  would  seem  to  be  the  subject  of  just  blame. 
The  Admiral  collected  what  funds  he  could,  repaired 
the  ship  in  which  he  had  sailed  from  Jamaica,  and  pui 
her  in  the  command  of  the  adelantado  for  the  convey- 
ance  of    those    who   wished   to   return   with    him    to 
Spain,  many  of  the  companions  of  his  late  voyage  pre- 
ferring to  remain  in  Hispaniola.     As  these  latter  were 
in  poverty  and  rags  almost  to  nakedness,  he  made  for 
them   what   provision   he   could    out   of    his   slender 
purse,  wholly  regardless  of  their  recent  unkindness  to 
liim.     Chartering  another  vessel  for  the  convenience 
of  himself,  his  son,  and  his  more  intimate  and  faithful 
friends,  the  little  squadron  sailed  September  12,  1504. 
They  were  barely  out  at  sea,  when  a   gale   carried 
away  the  mast  of  the  Admiral's  caravel,  and  she  was 
obliged  to  consign  her  crew  and  passengers  to  the  other 
vessel  and  put  back  to  San  Domingo.     The  solitary 
craft  now  sailed  on  with  fine  weather  for  over  a  month, 
when,  October   i8th,  a  severe  storm  burst  upon  her. 
Then,  after  a  short  calm,  a   tempestuous  whirlwind 
splintered  the  mainmast  into  four  pieces,  and  it  re- 
quired all  the  adelantado's  resources,  along  with  the 
counsel  of  the  sick  Admiral  stretched  helplessly  on 
his  couch,  to  raise  the  yard,  and  tying  planks  on  all 
sides  of  it,  thus  extemporize  a  mast.     A  few  days  later 


HOME  AGAIN. 


563 


\  situation  on 
\  the  latter  to 
vSpaiii  as  soon 

ir-faithful  Car- 
of  Colunibtis 
go.      For  this 
of  just  blame, 
ould,  repaired 
uaica.  and  pui 
or  the  convey- 
vvith    him    to 
te  voyage  prc- 
ese  latter  were 
s,  he  made  for 
f    his   .slender 
uukindness  to 
e  convenience 
Lte  and  faithful 
mber  12,  1504. 
I   gale   carried 
I,  and  she  was 
ers  to  the  other 
The  solitary 
rover  a  month, 
urst   upon  her. 
ous  whirlwind 
ices,  and  it  re- 
along  with   the 
1  helplessly  on 
5  planks  on  all 
L  few  days  later 


still  another  storm  sprung  the  foremast,  and  in  this 
crippled  and  toggled-up  plight  they  entered  the  port 
„t  San  Lucas  on  the  7th  of  November.  We  shall  now 
see  what  rest  and  comfort  awaited  the  tempest-tossed 
.\diuiral,  aged,  infirm,  and  racked  with  pain. 


k^_'      ^gic^iaji^gSas^^"^*^^^!*'*'^--"-"*^"-'^'^'^**^^^--'--^^  ^vJ«i-a*-^&'i*. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 


THE   LAST   VOYAGE. 

[rOM  San  Lucas,  Columbus  was  borne  to  Se- 
ville, where  he  remained  till  May  of  the  fol- 
,__^^  lowing  year.  He  had  hoped  to  go  immedi- 
ately to  court,  thereto  present  his  claims  for  his  heavy 
financial  arrears  which  had  reduced  him  to  posi- 
tive want,  and  for  the  restoration  of  his  privileges  so 
ruthlessly  taken  from  him ;  but  his  intense  physical 
sufferings,  aggravated  by  the  most  severe  winter  ni 
Spain  within  the  memory  of  man,  made  the  plan  im- 
practicable. 

Financial  embarrassment   is   hard  enough    at  any 
time,  and  has   done  much    to  break  down  many    a 
stout-hearted  man  ;  but  when  it  comes  in  old  age  and 
infirmity,  aye,  even  in  exhaustive  illness,  and  is  the  re- 
sult of  the  most  flagrant  injustice,  its  trials  can  scarcely 
be  estimated.     Columbus  states  in  the  most  solemn 
manner,  in  a  letter  to  his  son,  that  his  annual  income 
at  this  time  should  not  have  been  less  than  10,000,000 
maravedis.     Without  attempting  any  estimate,  it  is  self- 
evident  that  it  should  at  least  have  been  a  sufficient 
competency.     Having  appropriated  all  he  could  collect 
at  San  Domingo  for  the  comfort  of  his  crews  and  for 
the   homeward   voyage,   he   was   obliged    to  live   on 
borrowed  money  as  soon  as  he  reached  Spain,  and  to 
live  in  the  most  frugal  manner. 

While  the  weary  months  of  suffering  dragged  by, 
his  chief  occupation  was  the  writing  of  letters,  as  lie 


—  *?.w*»w^..M*<*  "^ 


LETTERS  OF  THE  ADMIRAL. 


565 


IS  borne  to  Se- 
May  of  the  fol- 
to  go  immedi- 
s  for  his  heavy 
him  to  posi- 
is  privileges  so 
iteiise  physical 
vere  winter  in 
ie  the  plan  ini- 

:nough    at  any 
down  many    a 
in  old  age  and 
5S,  and  is  the  re- 
als can  scarcely 
le  most  solemn 
annual  income 
than  10,000,000 
3timate,  it  is  self- 
een  a  sufficient 
he  could  collect 
s  crews  and  for 
ged    to  live   on 
d  Spain,  and  to 

ng  dragged  by, 
of  letters,  as  la- 


ky almost  helpless  on  his  couch,  and  for  this  he  was 
physically  so  incapacitated  that  the   stiffness  and  pain 
in  his  hands  would  allow  him  the  use  of  his  pen  only 
;it  night.     He  wrote  to   Diego  de  Deza,  his  old,  trusty 
friend,  now  high  in  ecclesiastical  honors ;  to  Morales, 
the  King's  treasurer  ;    to  the  council  of   the  famous 
Casa  de  Contratacion,  instituted  during  his  last  voyage  ; 
lie  wrote  indirectly  to   the   Bank   of    St.  George   in 
(ienoa,  through  his  trusty  friend  Oderigo  ;  to  Gorricio, 
to  the  Pope,  and  to  the  King ;  but  most  of  his  letters 
were  to  his  son  Diego.     They  alone  would  make  a  fair- 
sized  book.     He  wrote  not  only  concerning  his  own 
personal  matters,  but  in  behalf  of  the  deplorable  state 
of  affairs  in  the  Indies,  concerning  the  needy,  ragged, 
and  almost  starving  men  who  had  sailed  with  him  in 
his   last  voyage,  and  who  were  now  beseeching  the 
officers  of  the  crown  in  vain  for  their  pay,  and  he  gave 
an  almost  endless  category  of  good  advice  to  Diego, 

his  son. 

About  this  time  he  had  become  so  thoroughly  con- 
vinced of  the  fact  that  he  could  elicit  no  reply  by  means 
of  his  letters  that  he  determined  to  be  carried  to  the 
court,  even  at  the  risk  of  his  life.  He  applied  to  the 
canons  of  Seville  for  the  new  mortuary  litter,  which 
had  recently  been  used  to  carry  Cardinal  Mendoza  to 
his  grave.  He  might  have  it,  they  said,  if  Pinedo, 
treasurer  of  the  navy,  would  be  .security  for  its  return 
in  good  condition!  High  appreciation  there  was  in 
those  days  for  the  man  who  had  staked  all  on  the  dis- 
covery of  a  new  world.  The  litter  was  secured,  but  his 
health  was  so  precarious  and  the  weather  so  cold  that 
his  friends  dissuaded  him  from  an  undertaking  so 
perilous  to  the  life  of  one  in  his  condition. 


iMlilUiS«>t^U!^e«&^'-- 


,-aS«^^Ai,-^^>-ii  'UiVK--*-  ■»-.'^i-*.t^;.»^-«.s«<a'"''^^^'»*i'^- 


M 


566 


MESSENGERS  GO  TO  COURT. 


November  26,  1504,  Isabella,  worn  out  with  dis- 
ease contracted  during  the  Moorish  war,  and  over- 
whelmed by  a  series  of  the  severest  family  afflictions, 
passed  away.  This  was  a  most  crushing  bereavement 
to  Columbus-the  finishing  stroke  in  the  long  series  of 
his  calamities.     No  doubt  he  comprehended  his  situa- 

'°His  failure  to  be  carried  to  court,  and  the  sad  intel- 
ligence of  the  death  of  the  Queen,  induced  him  to  send 
his  brother  Bartholomew,  his  son  Fernando,  and  Car- 
vajal  to  plead  his  cause  with  the  King  before  his  ene- 
mies could  have  time  to  prejudice  the  royal  mmd  and 
so  secure  a  final  determination  of  affairs  against  him^ 
The  bitteriy  severe  winter  had  passed  away,  and  the 
balmy  days  of  spring  so  cheered  the  invalid  that  he  de- 
termined to  be  carried  to  the  court,  then  at  Segovia. 
He  arrived  in    May,  well-nigh  exhausted.     Where  are 
now   the   fawning  courtiers  whoa  few  years  ago,  at 
Barcelona,  would  have   waited  for  hours  to  touch  his 
hand?     Ah,  they  are  still  here,  but  they  worship  the 

rising,  not  the  setting  sun  1  .  •  t.     * 

And  the  King !  He  smiles-on  the  surface-withou 
enthusiasm,  or  even  warmth.  He  listens  to  the  recital 
of  this  perilous  fourth  voyage,  but  has  very  little  to 
sav  Nor  is  he  at  all  moved  by  the  portrayal  of  the 
golden  wealth  of  Veragua,  or  the  detailed  account  of 
the  cruel  rebellion  of  Porras  and  his  associates.  :Noj 
Columbus  becomes  fully  conscious  of  the  wintry  cold- 
ness of  that  court  without  the  presence  and  influence 

of  Isabella.  ,     Tr  • 

A  few  days  later  Columbus  wrote  to  the  King,  pre- 
senting his  grave  claims  respectfully,  but  most  ear- 


1 


out  with  dis- 
var,  and  over- 
ily  afflictions, 
g  bereavement 
e  long  series  of 
tided  his  situa- 

1  the  sad  intel- 
;ed  him  to  send 
ando,  and  Car- 
before  his  ene- 
oyal  mind  and 
s  against  him. 
d  away,  and  the 
valid  that  he  de- 
len  at  Segovia, 
ed.     Where  are 
V  years  ago,  at 
urs  to  touch  his 
ley  worship  the 

lurface — without 
;ns  to  the  recital 
IS  very  little  to 

portrayal  of  the 
ailed  account  of 
issociates.     Now 

the  wintry  cold- 
ice  and  influence 

to  the  King,  pre- 
y,  but  most  ear- 


AN  ARBITRA  TION  SVG GESTED.  567 

nestly.     The  reply  was  characteristic  of  Ferdinand's 
wily   treacherousness.      He  knew   how    much   vSpain 
owed  to  Columbus ;  but-but,  there  was  so  much  im- 
plied  in   his    claim— titles,    governments,  rights,  ac- 
counts, indemnifications,  and  how  many  other   points ! 
—it  would  be  necessary  to  submit  the  matter  to  the 
judgment  of  some  very  prudent  and  competent  person. 
WIk)  should  this  arbitrator  be  but  Father  Deza  ?  asked 
Columbus.     Was  he  not  a  favorite  of  the  King,  and 
also  his  friend  ?     But  in  this  arbitration  the  Admiral 
will  have  it  explicitly  understood  that  he  submits  only 
his  rights  and  revenues,  not  his  titles  and  prerogatives  ; 
these  had  been  fixed  by  royal  decree,  and  confirmed— 
liow  many  times  ?     Nothing  more  is  known  about  the 
arbitration.      The  points    to  be  submitted  by  the  Ad- 
miral did  not  suit  the  King.     Again  and  again  the 
claims  were  pressed,  and  as  often  did  the  King  smile, 
and  acknowledge,  and  compliment,  and  promise  to  look 
into  the  matter ;  '*  but  as  to  doing  anything,"  says  Las 
Casas,  "  not  only  did  he  show  Columbus  no  tokens  of 
favor,  but,  on  the  other  hand,  placed  every  obstacle  in 
his  way,  and  at  the  same  time  was  never  remiss  in 
complimentary  expressions." 

The  aged,  suffering  Admiral  is  disheartened  with 
pleading  his  rights  on  the  grounds  of  justice  ;  he  will 
leave  all  to  the  King's  sense  of  fairness— his  generosity, 
if  you  please.  He  will  accept  just  what  the  King 
chooses  to  give  him,  regardless  of  the  facts  and  figures 
in  the  case  ;  only  he  begs  that  the  matter  may  be  at- 
tended to  promptly,  that  he  may  retire  to  some  quiet 
corner  for  rest.  Now  Ferdinand  waxes  eloquent  in 
acknowledgments.      He  knows  but  too  well  that  he 


*K:-V.!.H««BI(»»«W«e»:''-««S«»«««»«*«»  »■ 


^j:4r^J«»»»i***--<*»»«*""**^'"'*'*-'''*'''*'**''''''®''''''"' 


568 


HY//1  T  MORE  ? 


I 


owes  the  Indies  to  Columbus,  and  he  would  not  deprive 
him  of  the  just  dues  for  his  services.  He  will  not  only 
bestow  upon  him  the  rightful  revenues  coming  to  him, 
he  will  do  more — will  even  compensate  him  out  of  the 
estates  of  the  crown. 

What  more  than  this  could  any  one  ask  ?  What 
more  can  the  Admiral  say,  after  so  out-and-out  a  prom- 
ise ?  What  can  he  do  but  be  carried  around  after  the 
court  on  a  litter,  simply  waiting  for  the  fulfilment  ? 
For  months  he  follows  and  waits,  but  gets  nothing  be- 
yond "  fine  words  "  and  "  great  regards."  Finally  the 
matter  is  referred  to  the  tribunal  of  the  dead  Queen, 
and  they  know  the  mind  of  the  King  so  well  that  they 
can  simply  hesitate  and  demur.  "  If  Ferdinand  could 
have  done  so  with  a  quiet  conscience  and  without 
disgracing  his  name,  he  would  have  utterly  disregarded 
every  privilege  which  he  and  the  Queen  had  granted 
the  Admiral,  and  which  had  been  so  justly  merited." 
So  thought  Las  Casas  and  others  of  his  time. 

It  is  true,  the  outlook  had  immeasurably  changed 
since  the  granting  of  the  privileges  of  Columbus. 
Then,  through  a  narrow  loophole,  the  largest  faith  and 
the  most  intense  enthusiasm  might  anticipate  uncer- 
tain islands,  and  possibly  pieces  of  continents.  Now 
there  were  islands  and  continents,  the  richest  and 
grandest — no  one  might  conjecture  to  what  extent ; 
at  any  rate,  Spain  was  a  mere  patch  compared  with 
them.  Would  it  be  wise  to  relegate  such  incalculable 
territories  to  a  foreigner  and  his  descendants  forever  ? 
This  surely  was  too  much  for  a  penurious,  ambitious 
soul  like  that  of  Ferdinand  to  give  away.  In  this 
case,  at  least,  it  was  no  mere  matter  of  keeping  one's 


''^«*=Aexi^^i»XSI&S''s^-^'^^'^*^fi^!^^^**^* 


Mmmim  irtlfcirrtaiitttiTJMgtw'^^*^^'^''^'^^^^ 


HOPE  DEFERRED. 


569 


,d  not  deprive 

will  not  only 

ming  to  him, 

im  out  of  the 

ask  ?  What 
id-out  a  prom- 
lund  after  the 
e  fulfilment? 
s  nothing  be- 
Finally  the 

dead  Queen, 
veil  that  they 
rdinand  could 
and  without 
[y  disregarded 

had  granted 
5tly  merited." 
time. 

rably  changed 
of  Columbus, 
rgest  faith  and 
icipate  uncer- 
tinents.  Now 
e  richest  and 

what  extent; 
:ompared  with 
li  incalculable 
lants  forever? 
ous,  ambitious 
way.     In  this 

keeping  one's 


Nvord,  like  him  "  who  sweareth  to  his  own  hurt  and 
chaugeth  not."  But  O  heavens,  and  O  earth  !  could 
not  wmething  have  been  done  ?  Must  this  greatest 
benefactor  of  Spain  and  of  the  world— this  begetter  of  a 
new  era  in  the  world's  history— drag  out  his  days 
a  mere  mendicant  on  a  litter,  and  die  a  pauper?  Can 
the  King  of  Spain  do  nothing  whatever  to  save  him- 
self from  the  foulest  perjury  and  the  blackest  ingrati- 
tude ? 

This  anxious  waiting  and  sore  disappointment  were 
telling  heavily  on  the  suffering  Admiral.  Helpless 
;ind  hopeless,  he  sank  upon  a  'sick-bed  at  Valladolid. 
"  It  is  a  matter  that  concerns  my  honor,"  he  wrote  to 
the  King ;  "  your  Majesty  may  do  as  you  think  proper 
with  all  the  rest ;  give  or  take,  as  may  appear  for  your 
advantage,  and  I  shall  be  satisfied.  I  believe  that  the 
worry  caused  by  the  delay  of  my  suit  is  the  main 
cause  of  my  ill-health." 

Columbus  finally  gave  up  his  own  personal  claims, 
and  simply  interceded  with  the  King,  along  with   his 
son,   for  the  rights  of  the  family.     "  The  more  they 
appealed  to  him  the  more  favorably  he  replied,"  says 
Las  Casas,  "  but  he  always  continued  his  system  of 
putting    them    off,  in    the   hope   of  tiring  out  their 
patience,  and  making  them  renounce  their  privileges 
and  accept  titles  andlestates  in  Castile  in  compensation 
for   them."     In  fact,  some   such   offer  was  made,  but 
Columbus  was  never  a  man  to  be  bought  off  from  his 
clearly     conceived     or    explicitly     stipulated    rights. 
- 1  have  done  all  that  I  can  do,"  he  wrote  pitifully  to 
Dezal;   ;"  I  leave  the  rest  to  God.      He  has  always  sus- 
tained me  in  extremities." 


57« 


A  STRANGE  DECREE. 


Si 


I 
I* 


During  the  last  winter  of  the  Admiral's  life  Ferdi- 
nand issued  the  following  decree  : 

"  The    King :    As  I  am    informed   that   you,  Chris. 
Colon,  the  Admiral,  are  in  poor  bodily  health,  owing 
to  certain  diseases  which  you  have  had  or  have,  and 
that   you   cannot   ride    on    horseback    without    great 
injury    to    your   health  ;    therefore,  conceding   this  to 
vour   advanced   age,  I,  by    these    presents,  grant    you 
license  to  ride  on  a  mule,  saddled  and  bridled,  through 
whatever  parts  of  these  kingdoms  or  realms  you  wish 
and  choose,   notwithstanding  the  law  which  I  issued 
in  regard   thereto  ;    and  command   the  justices  of  all 
parts  of  these  kingdoms  and  realms  not  to  offer  you 
any  impediment,  or  allow  any  to  be  offered  to  you, 
under  penalty   of  ten  thousand  maravedis  in  behalf  of 
the  treasury  (m  whoever  does  the  contrary. 
"Given  in  the  city  of  Toro,  Feb.  23rd,  1505." 
This  enactment  is  at  once  an  indication  of  the  infirm 
condition  of  Columbus   and  of  the  peculiarly  tyran- 
nical laws  of  the  time,  which,  finding  horses  too  scarce 
in  Spain   for  the  emergencies  of  war,  had  laid  restric- 
tions on  the  domestic  uses  of  the  mule,  hoping  thereby 
to  increase  the  number  of  horses. 

During  the  very  last  days  of  the  Admiral  there  was 
a  gleam  of  hope.  The  Infanta  Juana,  with  her  hus- 
band, the  Archduke  Philip,  had  arrived  from  Flanders 
to  take  possession  of  the  kingdom  of  Castile.  Might 
there  not  be  found  in  the  daughter  some  likeness  to 
the  great  soul  of  her  mother  ?  When  the  King  and 
all  the  court  went  to  Laredo  to  meet  the  new  Queen, 
Columbus  was  unable  to  gratify  his  heart's  strongest 
wish  to  accompany   them,  for  a  violent  relapse    had 


t, 

<S' 

% 


l«Na«m*i4MMMI>MMM>H<M« 


THE  S'EW  ^^I'EEX. 


571 


I's  life  Ferdi- 

t  you,  Chris, 
lealth,  owing 
or  have,  and 
'ithout  great 
sding  this  to 
Ls,  grant  you 
died,  through 
ilms  you  wish 
hich  I  issued 
justices  of  all 
3t  to  offer  you 
ffered  to  you, 
is  in  behalf  of 

y- 

1505-" 
Li  of  the  infirm 

luliarly   tyran- 

rses  too  scarce 

ad  laid  restric- 

loping  thereby 

iiral  there  was 
,  with  her  hus- 
froni  Flanders 
Castile.  Might 
)nie  likeness  to 
I  the  King  and 
he  new  Queen, 
eart's  strongest 
It  relapse    had 


laid  him  lower  than  ever.  His  brother  Bartholomew 
was  sent  to  represent  him,  with  a  letter  of  regret  from 
him  at  not  being  able  to  congratulate  the  new 
sovereigns  in  person,  and  asking  to  be  counted  among 
their  most  faithful  subjects.  Though  now  in  such  great 
suffering,  he  still  cherished  the  hope  oP  rendering 
them  some  signal  .service.  Moreover,  he  hoped  by 
Ihem  to  be  restored  to  his  honors  and  estates,  which 
had  been  so  unfairly  taken  from  him. 

On  the  7th  of  May  the  sovereigns  arrived,  and  in  a 
fews  days  received  Don  Bartholomew  with  great  kind- 
ness. The  claims  of  the  Admiral  were  well  considered, 
and  once  more  fair  promises  were  made.  But  the 
adelantado  had  scarcely  left  him  when  it  became 
evident  that  he  was  nearing  his  end— was  about  to  • 
make  his  last  voyage.  He  accordingly  addressed  him- 
self to  the  last  duties  of  life.  The  codicil  to  his  will, 
found  in  1779,  and  dated  May  4,  ^506,  written  on  the 
blank  page  of  a  breviary  given  to  him  by  Pope  Alex- 
ander VI,  a  great  comfort  to  him  in  battles,  captivities, 
and  misfortunes,  is  probably  apocryphal. 

May  19th  he  ratified  his  will,  formally  drawn  up  in 
his  own  hand  .some  time  before.  Diego  was  made  his 
heir.  If  he  failed  of  heirship,  the  estate  was  to  vest 
in  Fernando,  who,  in  default  of  heirs,  should  be  suc- 
ceeded by  the  adelantado.  If  these  all  failed  of  male 
descendants,  the  inheritance  was  to  pass  to  the  female 
Hue  in  similar  succession.  He  had  continued  loyal  to 
the  Spanish  sovereigns  through  all  the  wrongs  he  had 
suffered,  and  now  he  enjoined  upon  his  descend- 
ants the  utmost  fidelity.  They  must  relieve  all  dis- 
tressed relatives  and  others  in  poverty.     Some  one  of 


572 


(iff  A  TITUDE. 


ft 


his  lineage  must  represent  the  family  in  Genoa. 
Diego- must  have  special  regard  for  the  needs  of  his 
brotheV  and  uncle.  When  the  resources  of  the  estate 
would  admit,  he  must  erect  a  chapel  in  the  Vega 
Real  of  Hispaniola,  where  masses  may  be  maintained 
for- his  repose  and  that  of  the  souls  of  other  mem- 
ber's of  the  family.  The  crusade  for  the  recovery  of 
the  Holy  Sepulchre  was  also  remembered,  and  Dona 
Beatrix  Knriquez.  It  will  be  seen  at  once  that  this  is, 
to  all  intents  and  purposes,  the  will  of  1496- 

After  signing  the  codicil  of  his  will,  duly  witnessed, 
he  showed  his  fine  sense  of  gratitude  by  noting  m 
his  own  hand  small  sums  which  his  heirs  were  to  pay 
to  the  various  persons  who,  at  different  times  in  his 
life,  had  rendered  him  small  services.         ^    ,  .    ,..    , 

Having  thus  fulfilled  the  final  duties  of  this  life,  he 
sought  the  consolations  of  religion.  With  the  calm- 
ness  and  resignation  of  hope,  he  awaited  the  grea 
transition  from  this  world  to  the  unknown  His  last 
words  were  those  of  Christ  on  the  cross-  Into  thy 
hands  O  Lord,  I  commend  my  spirit."  Thus  ended 
the  most  eventful  life  this  side  of  the  Christian  era, 

^Tiir'commonly  received  opinion,  that  the  Admiral 
was  first  entombed  in  the  Franciscan  convent  in 
Valladolid,  may  be  regarded  as  probable,  but  is  with- 
out any  certain  evidence  ;  and  according  to  the  will  of 
his  son  Diego,  1509,  it  would  seem  that  his  fathe 
remains  had  already  been  deposited  in  the  vault  of  the 
Carthusians  in  the  Las  Cuevas  convent  of  Sevil  e 
It  seems  to  have  been  the  conviction  of  the  Columbu 
family  that  the  Admiral  had  a  preference  for  Hayti  as 


% 


•'*'■•<» 


UttlllllH    1 1  HIM' 


THE  ADMIRAL'S  REMAINS. 


573 


y   in  Genoa. 
:  needs  of  his 

of  the  estate 

in  the  Vega 
le  maintained 

other  mem- 
LC  recovery  of 
ed,  and  Dona 
:e  that  this  is, 
96. 
ily  witnessed, 

by  noting  in 
rs  were  to  pay 
t  times  in  his 

of  this  life,  he 
^ith  the  calm- 
ted  the  great 
3wn.  His  last 
ss — "Into  thy 
Thus  ended 
Christian  era, 

It  the  Admiral 
an  convent  in 
jle,  but  is  with- 
r  to  the  will  of 
hat  his  father's 
he  vault  of  the 
ent  of  Seville. 
■  the  Columbus 
ice  for  Hayti  as 


his  final  resting-place,  and  his  remains  were   removed 
there,  probably,  about   1 541,  soon  after  the  completion 
of  the   cathedral.       As  early,  however,  as   1536,  the 
records  of  the  convent  show  them  to  have  been  given 
up   for  transportation,  though  it  is  only  on  June  2, 
1537,  that  the  first  royal   order   was   given    for   their 
removal.     Strange  to  say,  that  order  was  repeated  on 
the  22d  of  August,  i539>  and  again  on   the    5th   of 
November,  1540.     As  to  where  the  remains  could  have 
been  from  1536  till  1 541,  or  after,  we  have  no  informa- 
tion. 

There  is  no  record,  made  at  the  time,  to  show  the 
exact  placing  of  the  body  of  Columbus  in  the  San 
Domingo  cathedral.  In  1676  some  one  recorded  that 
it  had  been  deposited  on  the  right  of  the  altar ;  and  in 
1683  the  recollections  of  aged  people  were  quoted  to 
that  effect.  About  a  century  later,  when  certain  re- 
pairs were  being  made,  a  vault  was  found  on  the  "  gos- 
pel "  or  left  side  of  the  chancel,  traditionally  held  to 
contain  the  remains  of  the  Admiral,  while  another  was 
found  on  the  *'  epistle  "  or  right  side,  supposed  to  con- 
tain those  of  his  brother  Bartholomew. 

In  1795,  when  the  treaty  of  Basle  gave  the  San  Dom- 
ingo half  of  the  island  to  the  French,  the  Spanish  au- 
thorities, along  with  the  Duke  of  Veragua  as  the  lineal 
descendant  of  Columbus,  concluded  to  remove  the  re- 
mains to  Havana  ;  and  the  vault  on  the  left  hand  or 
"  gospel "  side  was  opened,  according  to  the  above  tra- 
dition, but  contrary  to  the  first  known  record.  "  Within 
were  found  the  fragments  of  a  leaden  coffin,  a  number 
of  bones,  and  a  quantity  of  mould,  evidently  the  re- 
mains of  a  human  body.     These  were  carefully  col- 


m 


574 


THE  ADMIRALS  HEMAiyS. 


Icctt'd  and  put  in  a  case  of  j^ildcd  lead,  about  half  an 
ell  in  k-niLrlli  and  breadth,  and  a  third  in  heiK'ht."' 
With  indescribable  poni})  and  ceremony,  the  remains 
were  conveyed  to  Havana.  It  is  now  claimed,  liowever. 
that  these  remains  were  not  those  of  the  .-Vdniiral,  but 

of  Diej^o,  his  son. 

"  In    1877,  in  niakin^^  some  changes  about  the  chan- 
cel, on  the  right  of  the   altar,  the   workmen   opened   a 
vault,  and  found  a  leaden  case  containing  human  bones, 
with  an  inscription  showing  them  to  be  those  of  Luis, 
the  grandson.     This  led  to  a  search  on  the  opposite  or 
'  gospel  side  '  of  the  chancel,  where  they  found  an  empty 
vault,  supposed  to  be  the  one  from  which  the  remains 
were  taken  to  Havana.    Between  this  and  the  side  wall 
of  the  building,  and  separated  from  the  empty  vault 
by  a  six-inch  wall,  was  found  another  cavity,  and  in  it 
a"leaden  case.     There  seem  to  have  been  suitable  pre- 
cautions taken  to  avoid  occasion  for  imputations  of  de- 
ceit, and  with  witnesses  the  case  was  examined.     In  it 
were  found  some  bones  and  dust,  a  leaden  bullet,  two 
iron  screws,  which  fitted  the  holes  in  a  small  silver 
plate  found  beneath  the   mould  in   the  bottom  of  the 
case.     This  casket  bore  on  the  outside,  on    the  front 
and  two  ends— one  letter  on  each  surface— the  letters 
C.  C.  A."-      An  inscription  on   the  top  is  supposed  to 
mean  ''  Discoverer  of  America,  first  Admiral."     On  the 
under  side  of  the  lid  was  a  legend,  translated,  "  Illus- 
trious and  renowned   man,  Christopher    Columbus." 
An  inscription  on  the  silver  plate  is  rendered,  "  A  part 
of  the  remains  of  the  first   Admiral,   Don   Christopher 
Columbus,  discoverer,"  

'  lrving'8  Life  and  Voyages  of  CoUinnbus. 

s  N."irrative  and  Critical  History  of  America,  vol.  J,  p.  81. 


.bout  half  an 
in  height."' 
'.  the  rcMnains 
nicd,  however, 
:  Admiral,  but 

bout  the  chan- 
nen   opened   a 
;  human  bones, 
those  of  Luis, 
the  opposite  or 
ound  an  empty 
li  the  remains 
d  the  side  wall 
c  empty  vault 
ivity,  and  in  it 
n  suitable  pre- 
lutations  of  de- 
amined.     In  it 
^en  bullet,  two 
1  a  small  silver 
bottom  of  the 
2,  on    the  front 
ce — the  letters 
is  supposed  to 
niral."     On  the 
iislated,  "  lUus- 
er    Columbus."' 
idered,  "  A  part 
an   Christopher 


vol.  i,  p.  8i. 


T///i  A  DM  IRA  A '  S  li  li  MA  /XS. 


.S7.S 


A   discussion   followed,  which  it  would  be  useless  to 
attempt  to  describe  within  our  limits.     The  Spaniards 
are  well  convinced  that  they  have   the  remains  of  the 
famous  Admiral  in  Havana,  but  a  careful  examination 
of  the   disclosures  of   1S77,  at  the  Cathedral  of  San 
Domingo,  can  leave  but  little  doubt  as  to  the  renfhins 
,.f  the  great    Admiral  being   still   there.     Indeed,  the 
last  shadow  of  doubt  would  seem  to  be  removed  by  the 
painstaking     investigations     nuide     by    that     famous 
('.erman  explorer,  Cronau,  at  San   Domingo  in  1S90. 
He   believes   the   much-debated   inscriptions    on    the 
casket  in  question  to  have  been  cut  in   the   sixteenth 
century,  and  is  conclusive  in  his  conviction  that  the 
remains  of  Columbus  are  still  at  San  Domingo.     The 
corroded     musket-ball     found     in     the     casket,    he 
regards  as  a  marked  evidence  of  identity  in  respect 
to  the  remains.     We  have  no  account,  indeed,  of  the 
Admiral  being  wounded,  but  in  a  letter  from  Jamaica 
U)  the  sovereigns  he  speaks  of  his  wound  breaking 
out  afresh.     On  the  whole  it  would  seem  that  as  in 
Columbus's  lifetime  the   Spaniards  had  tried  to  get 
rid  of  him  and  his  claims  without  accomplishing  their 
aim,  so  now,  after  trying  in  the  most  signal  manner 
to  retain  the  prestige  of  the  last  and  least  remains 
of  his   dead   body,  they  have  probably   incurred   an 
equally  ignominious  failure. 

It  is  well  known  that  the  ch^ns  in  which  Columbus 
was  sent  to  Spain  by  Bobadilla  he  kept  as  a  memorial 
of  his  wrongs,  and  intended  they  should  go  with  him  into 
his  coffin  ;  but  as  no  such  chains,  not  even  in  the  form 
of  oxide  of  iron,  have  been  in  any  of  the  supposed 
caskets,  may    it  not  be  that  his  veritable  remains  are 


m* 


576 


I//S  MONV\fF^'T. 


vet  to  be  identified?     But  ul.   rever  the   spot   ftmv  be. 
of  which  in  respect  to  the  Rrcat    Adnural  we  may  say. 
"  Dust  to  dust,  and  ashes  to  ashes.'  ihe  New  Wofkl 
that  is,  one-half  the  ^lobe-is  his  monuim-nt. 

SunnniuK  up  the  question  of  the  possession  of  the 
renfains  of  Columbus,  we  feel  at  liberty  to  disclose 
at  this  time  and  in  this  place,  two  facts  winch  may 
anticipate  and  conclude  future  action  m  the  prem- 
ises      We  have  been  infor:ned  by  eonlrolluig  it   nut 


TH«  HOUSE   IN   WHICH  COLUMBUS   DIED. 

It  .    . 

actually  official  parties  in  the  management  of  the 
Columbian  Exposition  at  Chicago  that  only  a  proper 
and  legitimate  appropriation  of  sufficent  fnnds  was 
Teedel  to  accomplish  the  transfer  of  the  allegec 
remains  of  Columbus  from  San  Dommgo  to  Chicago 
Wrhave  also  had  assurance  of  the  significant  fact 
that  the  chains  which  Columbus's  son  describes  in  h,s 
memoirs  of  his  father,  and  which  he  says  were  kept 


MllMMKXrs  AXl)  /.'/i.»/.lAV-^'- 


577 


?     spot     fflflV  ^H'. 

■al  we  \n^y  say, 
:  New  Wofld 
iiticnt. 

sscssioii  of  the 
.Tty  to  disclose, 
"acts  which  may 
,n  in  the  prem- 
MitroUing  it*  nut 


,,„„j;i„«  i„  his  bca-cl.a,nbcr,  arc  sl.ll  preserved  .,. 
aia'to  be,  if  we  are  not  u.istake,,,  ■„   the  ha.u  s  n^  . 
,„rtv  in  C.enoa,  fr..n>   wh-nn  they  ea,.    be    ob  a,nu 
:,^  like  e„n.li.i«ns  as  tlu.  n-nniinents  an.    alle,  d 

f.,rthcc,minK,  they   will    pr-baWy    !.■     'f^t-  "^'f    • 

a.pions  body  of  relies  to  be  »l».bUed  in  the  rcpl  ca  ot 
Convenf  of  La  Rabida,  now  in  course  "f  ™»3t"- 
a„„   „n    the   shores   of   Lake   Mielngan,  dnr.ng    the 
present  celebration. 


DIED. 


nagemcnt  of  the 
hat  only  a  proper 
ftcient  funds  was 
of  the  alleged 
uingo  to  Chicago, 
tie  significant  fact 
)n  describes  in  his 
he  says  were  kept 


^ 


.  raSS»(»«««i««IIM**»i*^« 


INDEX. 


Pagb. 

Aguado,  Juan 306.  3«0'  3" 

Alexander  VI '7« 

AllVagamis •• 35 

Alhambra o^-  '75 

All  Saints,  Convent  of. 3' 

Alligators 254,  486 

Alphonso,  King 27,  37 

Amazons 3'7 

Anacaona 283,353,  354.  363 

her  treasures 3°4.  3"S 

her  melancholy  fate 5235-7 

Arana,  Diego  de I37.  >9S 

Arana,  Pedro  de 329 

Archives  of  Milan 293 

of  Venice 29 

Aristotle 36.  43 

Astrolabe 47 

Augustine,  St  59 

Azores 26,44,  '53-  156 

Babeque I19.  '25,  126,  243 

Bacon,  Roger 43 

Balboa •••  45° 

Ballester,  Miguel .389,  396,  397 

Bank  of  St.  George,  letter  to, 

456.  457 

Barcelona "64.  '66,  319 

Bastidas 45° 

Behaim,  Martin 35.  47 

Behechio 353.  354.  362,  3^3 

Belvis,  Pablo 309 

Benjamin,  Rabbi 47 

Beradi '75 

Bernalde*.,  Andres 3.  ° 

frequently  cited. 

Blood-hounds 245,  282,  503 

Bobadilla 428,  431-446.  448-45°. 

463.  552 

Bojador 25,  26 

Breviesco  Ximeno 326,  327,  427 

Brazil 34 

Bristol,  Englaud 291 

Brown,  Rawdon 29 

Bull,  Father. 203,  274,  305,  306,  319 

Butterflies 257 

Cabot,  John 291,  297 

Cabot.  Sebastian.. 292,  298,  300, 303 

Cabral 34.45° 

Cadiz 176,  3'8,  452 

Calzadilla 48,5° 


Pack. 
Canary  Islands.. 82  84,  178,329,462 

Canoe.  Roval 265 

Caonabo 193.  '95.  233-  236.  27,?, 

277-  278.  315.  3'7.  3'8-  320 

Cape  Good  Hope 27 

Cape  Nam 24 

Cape  Not •• 25 

Cape  de  Verde  Islands. ...26,  50,  280 

Carvajal 329.  387,  388,  39'-  395; 

396,  398,  402,  404.  45'-  566 

Cassaneuva '8 

Catalina 3'4 

Cedo,  Firmin 221,  222,  309 

Ceuta 49.  50 

Chanca,  Dr '77 

frequently  cited. 

Cibao '29.  '3° 

Cipango 82,  130 

Columbus,  Bartholomew 18,  30, 

63,65,  271,  272,  279,  282,  290, 
3'o,3".  3'4.3'8,  323.  350.351. 
355.  358.  366-374.  378-384.  460 
Columbus,  Christopher : 

his  portrait 7"9 

birthplace '3 

date  of  birth H-'o 

parentage '7.  '8 

education 20-22 

early  life 22.23 

on  the  bridge  of  pines 75 

his  privileges 75-77* 

his  humiliation 431-446 

death 572 

remains 573 '576 

Columbus,  Diego,  the  brother...  18, 
177.  223.  273.  274.  280,  3C«.  35'. 
366^369 
Columbus,  Diego,  the  son. ...31, 32, 
33.  65-67.  456.  56s 
Columbus,   Diego,  the   Indian   in- 
terpreter  191.37' 

Columbus,  Fernando 4.5.  27.63 

frequently  cited. 

Coiom.ho,  Juan  Antonio 329 

Code  Diplomaticus...... 5 

Compass 47 

Cordova 5° 

Corn "6 

Coronal 372-375 


Si«i<l«li«*e***-»*^" 


58o  ^^'^^ 

Correo,  Pedro 3^      I 

Curtis,  Win.  Elory 7      1 

U'Ailly,  Cardinal 43 

same  as  lliacc  ^ 

Darieii.  Istliinus  of 35-  4°** 

Decurions  of  Genoa 4>4 

Deza,  Diego ^"-  5'>5 

Diaz,  Bartholomew "3'  -7* 

Diaz,  Bernal 221-223 

Diaz,  Miguel 3'3      | 

Dominica '°3       i 

Eclipse 534-536      j 

Emanuel,  Victor •■•454 

Enriquez,  Beatrix "3.  "4      ! 

Escobar,  Diego  de 4'6-  537-  53*      : 

Esquibel 555    5<«      I 

Eugenius  IV,  Pope 37^4" 

Ferdinand,  King.  ...56,  61.  164    167, 
169,  170,  173.  427.  428.  44<>-  449 

Fernandez,  Garcia 55-  °7 

Ferrar,  Javmt ; 3^0 

Fiesco,  Bartholomew.  .518.  522,  545      1 

Fire  and  Faggot 359 

Fish  catch  fish J49-250      ! 

Fiske,  1ohn...7,  51.  54-  44^-  443-  448      , 
Fonsec^..i74.  «7S.  S-ifi-  405.  4i2-  4«3;      : 
427-  444.  44" 

Gama,  Vascode 45'-  459      | 

Genoa.. 12,  30,  S3.  .54      \ 

Geraldini  brothers 57      I 

Gibraltar,  Straits  of ^° 

Giovio,  Paolo 9 

Giustiniani'. "^ 

Gold,  famous  nugget  ot •••*"'♦      I 

Golden  Chersone8us...257,  25b,  451      j 

Good  Hope.  Cape  of o3      | 

Goodrich,  Aaron "      1 

Gorbolan 2«2-  "' 

GracioR  a  Dios,  Cape 473      | 

Granada  surrenders "9      I 

Grand  Khan 40-  47      j 

Guacanagari.128.  131    '39.  '9'    >95.      i 
197  205,  27s.  276.  .S82,  288,  289 

Gundaloupe *°? 

Guanahani ......90 

Guarionex....276,  277.  35'.  3S8-.3o^. 
370.  375  384 

Guevara 418-421,435.430 

Guinea 4o 

Harrisse...!,  13,  14,  «9.  43-  55-  ^9'. 

300  304 

Hayna 318,  335-  35«.  .357 

HaS-ti "9 

Helps,  Sir  Arthur 5» 

cited. 

Henry  VII 64,  65,  37«'  290 

Herons,  great  white ^54 

Herrera '*' 

frequently  cited. 


.V. 


Paok. 

Hibernia ^94 

Higuay 555  ,5<>' 

Hispaniola 'y'^l^ 

Holv  Sepulchre 02,63 

Honduras,  coast  of 269,  473 

Humboldt 2.  3<>,  i73 

cited. 

Hurricane  or  furicane .....312 

Hurricane 4o5  407 

Iceland,  Columbus's  voyage  to.  .33 

Iceland ^95 

Iguana ^4' 

Imago  Mundi ^ 

Indies,  wealth  of. •■—••-/^ 

Isabella,  (.^iiein.  ...56,  61,  63,  67,  6S, 
74,  164,   167,  175.  176,  4";  4.34 
446,  566 

lamaica 344  246,  513  545 

■John  II. ...52.  63.  156.  159.  '62.  17.3 

Joseph 40 

Juan,  Prince 3".  3^6 

Juana,  Princess 3^2 

KublaiKhan 36,  u^.  "3 

Lactantius  59 

La  Cosa,  Jnan  de 177.  4«3.  45° 

LaNavidad 136.  J92-I95 

La  Rabida 5«.  55.  65-68 

Las  Casas 3-  4.  8 

frequently  cited. 

Madeira •• '° 

Maiohanex 147.375-384-409. 

418  421 

Maize "^' 

Major,  R  H ^ 

cited. 

Malacca ^57 

Mandeville •• 3° 

Manicaotex 282,  283 

Manacles -7° 

Mangi 35.  -5' 

Mangon ■ '5' 

Marchina.  Antonio 55 

Margarita 273,  274,  305 

Margarita  of  Austria 322 

Margarite....230,  233,  236,  273.  274. 

Marinus  of  Tyre 34 

Martin,  Andres 445 

Martyr,  Peter 3 

'  often  cited. 

!      Mateo,  Juan 35* 

1      Mastic "•' 

j      Medina  Celi,  Duke  of &4 

Meteor  on  outward  voyage 87 

Mendez,  Diego...  -445.  497-Soo.  510, 
I  511,514522.54s 

:      Mendoza,  Cardinal 57-  169,  >7o 

Mermaids '44 


INDEX. 


581 


Pack. 
J94 

555  Sf>' 

>'9 

62,63 

of 269.  473 

2.36-  173 

ricane 3'^ 

46s  467 

bus's  voyage  to.  .33 

295 

241 

43 

3f. 58 

....56,61,63.67,68, 

h  •75-  >76,  4^8,  434 
446,  566 

344  246,  513  545 

33.  '56.  159-  '62.  173 

48 

3"' 326 

i 3" 

36.  Hi.  "3 

59 

de 177'  413.  450 

136.  192-195 

5«.  55.65-68 

3.  4.8 

cited. 
26 

.....147.  375-384-409. 
418  421 

116 

■.■/. 6 

257 

36 

282,  283 

278 

".. 35.  251 

25' 

Uonio 55 

273,  274,305 

Austria 322 

30,  233,  236,  273.  274, 
3'9 

vre 34 

•es 445 

• 3 

:d. 

3S« 

11^ 

Duke  of 64 

itward  voyage 87 

go.... 445.  497-500,  5«o. 
511,  514  522,  545 

irdinal 57-  169,  170 

»44 


Mexico ■■•■•• 

MooiH.  conquest  ol.. 


Pack 

\(V'  47> 

...56  58 

.406,   418  422 

v......... 90 

5 


I'Ar.n. 

Roldan,  Franci....3f'6.368  .370.  374_ 
385  410,  4"   4«7-  418  422,  41.^ 


Moxica 

Muftoz 

Mutiny 

Navarrete 

•   ^'^'"*'  79.  140.  «5".  'f'S      ; 

S-no.'Pedro"  AVonzo...322.  352.  449 

No  variation,  line  of •"•-    ^- 

Ocean  currenlfi 34     ••>n^      , 

oderigo,  N'*^"  "•••••«;  v;vv,';-2V7, 

ojeaa %%:\\\:ll^:\',9  \ 

OP- •"-  :::-t''::^  : 

Orinoco......  ■••• •  j^8-4^o      , 

Ovando.  Nicholas  de ■*    ._3 

Oviedo •"  j 

...f^**-  6568.77.163 

I'aria,  Gulf  of 337 

I'asqualigo.... ■•• "•         g 

Pear-shape  of  earth 347^34= 

Pearls •. ^4     i« 

Perestello,  Captain ■> 

Perestello,  Filipa •"••(iMi8,'77 

Sip.^ArchduWeofAu^\na 322 

?S.^r^^83:8;:;37^..:.g 

Pinzon,  Vicente  Yanez -79.  38o, 

I'l'"/"-; '.".".".'.".'..  36 

Pola,  Marco j^_ 

Ponce  de  Leon ,79;"28o 

K  brothersV.":.'527'  533.  540-S43 

Porto  Rico 26   Vi,45 

Porto  Santo ^a   r,  61 

Portugal ^^'V^\% 

Potato ^4 

Puerto  Bello •^'^ 

5ji\'uf;iVla;Aionzode;:s7;^,70.74 
ctuibian.the 494.  495.  497-  504 


Raimondo 
Rastelo... 
Rebellion  in  Vega. 


34 

58 

146 

351 

■ioi ,  50- 

3M.  .?5.3 

328, 54^ 

98 


506,  507 

293 

...158.  «59 
...283 


Repartimientos y.l'l'fc'  1^) 

Kequelme  409.  4-o.  43.S.  43*^ 


Rock,  the  great 
Rodrigo. 


Salamnnci  .••    

louncil  of 

Samana • 

San  Christoval 

Sanchez,  Juan 

San  Domingo 

San  l.ucar 

San  Salvador...... /•.S7-74      ■ 

Santangel,  Louis  de 66,7-  74 

Santa  V6  -„ 

Santa  Maria .■.^30132 

wrecked 'J      gg 

Saragossa  Sea ..■.'.'."...54 

Savona gj 

Sea  of  Darkness —•^g 

Seneca '., 

Seneca,  the  Poft^..- --'I't 

Sidonia,  Duke  of 64.175 

Sierra  Leone ,«!: 

Slavery  of  the  Natives.  217-220.  280. 

'      St.  Elmo's  lights '^ 

\  s^'-'**"' ::":""M8ri59 

Tagus V" ^c-i 

Tails,  Men  with "-L::"^  ^o 

Talavera • 57-59.69.7° 

Talking  Metal ■(^-ei'u,' ^^ 

•      Tarducci 60,01,  04,  .^-t^ 

;  ?:Snonndians::::::::::2^:285 

Teneiiffe  J^ 

\      Tongue  cut ,^g 

i  Kr.::::::::::::":::"v::::::2^,-3^6 

i      Tortugas.. ::;3'6  42.  89 

Toscanelli ^    ■♦     gg 

i      Trade-winds   ■ ■■■". 

1      Triana,  Rodrigo  de l^^^',^ 

!      Trinidad 332.334.337.339 

i     Tristan,  Diego ^°*- ^^2 

1      Valladolid ra   «7 

Variation  of  Compass.     .^..^^S6,J7 

Vega  Real ^\\    ^i 

\      Venice  applied  to 5.5.  ^^ 

Water  Spcut 

VVatling 

Winsor,  Justin 

c't^*'-  ...469 

Y"'-"*^^" .;;.:;::  ::.v.23o,  359 

Zemi   


490 


jf;0tfitt 


V\ 


>'V. 


^ 


liWlitWir  I  I'l'""''"-"™"""""'"**'"  "m™*""*"*""-  ' •gs?S^S'.::^5f«W- 


vrajaaBgBfe^swMJjftJSteaasigssgs:^ 


